Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) in KwaZulu-Natal has warned people praying in rivers to be cautious following an incident where a pastor was bitten by a black mamba while praying.

SAVED BY A STRANGER

The 27-year-old pastor who had been praying near Hazelmere river told RUSA paramedics that he was caught off guard when a black snake bit him on his left foot.

"A concerned citizen contacted the RUSA Operations Centre, requesting urgent medical assistance and paramedics were dispatched and found the pastor behind the Hazelmere Dam wall."

FURTHER CARE

RUSA said they were convinced it was a black mamba. "He exhibited symptoms of neurotoxic poisoning, including severe swelling at the bite site. After walking a short distance from the river, he sought help from security officers, who also alerted RUSA."Paramedics treated him for his symptoms before rushing him to a medical facility for further care. Most Black Mamba bites occur on the extremities including the hands, feet, or ankles, but due to their size, they can strike as high as an adult's chest. Their venom is predominantly neurotoxic, affecting the nervous system rapidly. Literature suggests venom yields range from 250?"400mg, with as little as 10mg potentially being fatal.