The authorities in Nigeria say there has been an increase in snake bites as severe floods continue being experienced in parts of the country.
Snakes are jostling with humans for shelter in most cities experiencing floods, according to Nasir Sani Gwarzo of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
“After the increase in snake bites, what will follow is the outbreak of epidemics, such as cholera, typhoid fever and many other diseases,” Dr Gwarzo told BBC Hausa.
He said the ministry had urged health facilities to stock sufficient antivenoms due to the increase in snake bites.
Nigeria is being hit by some of its worst flooding in over a decade. The authorities say that more than one million people have been displaced