Some signs of summer: 17-year-old treated at Hillel Yaffe for snake bite

Nadav Karabi, a 17-year-old boy from Caesarea, was admitted to Hillel Yaffe Medical Center's Pediatric ER yesterday with shortness of breath and deteriorating vital signs. He was brought in by an ambulance which his parents called after he told them he had been bitten while he was with his friends near the tennis courts in Caesarea.

His friends, who were with him at the time of the bite, managed to take a picture of the snake, sent it to his parents and they showed the photo to the EMS team. The latter reported that Nadav was being transported to the ER at Hillel Yaffe, where he received quick and life-saving treatment, including, among other things, specific serum. After treatment in the Emergency Room, he was hospitalized for observation and continued treatment in the General Intensive Care Unit, where he is conscious and in good condition. During the day, Nadav is expected to be moved to the Department of Pediatrics for observation.

Nadav and his mother in the hospital room at Hillel Yaffe

The doctors who treated Nadav would like to warn the general public to be cautious of snakes who are coming out now. “If you go for a hike, make sure to wear high, closed-toe shoes. If you realize you’ve been bitten - call for help urgently and try to rest until the EMS team arrives so that the venom does not spread rapidly throughout your body. Do not put ice on the site of the bite or try to remove the venom yourself.

Nadavs mother, Nirit, adds, “Unfortunately, Nadav was barefoot and was bitten in the foot. He started vomiting, and we called EMS immediately. They waited for us en route and together we arrived at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, where the ER team was already waiting for us. It's important for the public to know that in situations like these, it's important to call EMS immediately and, at the same time, they contact the hospital. Fortunately, Nadav received outstanding treatment and is feeling well,”