Guwahati, April 15: A series of alarming and medically unexplained bite-like incidents in pond waters of Assam’s Sivasagar district has left over 100 people affected, prompting concern among health authorities and triggering an urgent search for the source.
The cases have been reported primarily from Demow, where residents entering shallow household ponds for routine activities such as fishing and bathing have experienced sudden, intense pain followed by swelling, vomiting, and in some cases, severe infection and tissue damage.
The mystery first came to light after a resident, Shahidul Islam, reported a sudden bite-like injury while fishing. He soon developed acute symptoms and required hospitalisation.
Doctors treating the cases say the clinical presentation does not match known patterns of snake envenomation, raising concerns about a possible unidentified aquatic organism.
“We initially suspected snakebite, but the symptoms were inconsistent with typical envenomation cases,” said Dr Surajit Giri, who has been managing several patients.
With no confirmed diagnosis or specific antidote available, medical teams have resorted to a trial-based supportive treatment protocol.
“This is not a definitive cure, but an experimental, supportive approach based on observed symptoms,” Dr Giri said.
Shahidul Islam was discharged after five days of treatment, though he developed infection-related complications during recovery. Doctors noted gradual stabilisation following intervention.
Health officials have urged residents to exercise caution when entering ponds and to seek immediate medical attention in the event of any unexplained bite or sudden symptoms.
Authorities are now closely monitoring the situation, with calls for scientific investigation to identify the organism or cause behind the incidents, as fear spreads among local communities that depend on pond water for everyday use.
