Yeshiva Student, 17, Bitten by Venomous Snake in Ashdod

A 17-year-old yeshiva student was bitten by a venomous snake in the courtyard of Yeshivat Meirat Shemua on Mishmar HaYarden Street in Ashdod. The student was evacuated to the hospital in stable condition and fully conscious after receiving medical treatment from United Hatzalah teams.

According to United Hatzalah's report, the teenager was bitten on his hand while in the yeshiva courtyard during the nighttime hours. Medical teams who arrived at the scene identified the bite marks and provided initial treatment on site.

Paramedic Tal Flex and medics Dor Friedman and Gabriel Momko from United Hatzalah's mobile intensive care unit reported: "We were informed that he was bitten by a snake on his hand. After the initial treatment we provided, he was evacuated in a United Hatzalah intensive care ambulance for continued treatment at the hospital in stable condition and fully conscious."

The Ashdod incident joins a series of snake bite cases documented in recent months across the country. Last August, two children were bitten by snakes within two weeks at Emek Medical Center in Afula, with one of them, a 12-year-old boy, bitten by a viper while playing with friends.

At the end of July, a 48-year-old woman was bitten by a snake while working on Volcani Institute Street in Rishon LeZion and was evacuated in serious but stable condition to Shamir-Assaf Harofeh Medical Center. According to Magen David Adom's report, the woman suffered bite marks on her lower limbs.

During the spring and summer months, when temperatures rise, snake activity increases and their venom glands are particularly active. The Palestine viper, found throughout the country, is especially venomous and dangerous.

Dr. Ronen Pomp explains about snake bites (Photo: Emek Medical Center Spokesperson)

Doctors warn that in the event of a snake bite, one should immediately seek medical treatment, remain calm and avoid movement, and refrain from attempting self-treatment. It is important to identify the type of snake if possible, but without endangering yourself.