Bitten 7 Times by Snakes or Snake Phobia? Doctors Confirm
Bitten 7 Times by Snakes or Snake Phobia? Doctors Confirm
Health officials reveal that Vikas Dubey’s claims of multiple snake bites were due to ophidiophobia, leading to psychiatric referral.
In a surprising revelation, it has been confirmed that Vikas Dubey, a 24-year-old resident of Fatehpur district, who claimed to have been bitten by a snake seven times within 40 days, was actually bitten only once.
Dubey’s condition has been diagnosed as ophidiophobia, a severe fear of snakes. This finding came from a three-member team formed by the Chief Health Officer of Fatehpur. On July 16th, the Health Department submitted its report to the District Magistrate, confirming that only one snake bite was genuine.
Previously, Dubey asserted that he had survived seven snake bites, insisting that a snake appeared in his dreams, threatening to take his life on its ninth attempt. He mentioned that these bites occurred predominantly on Saturdays or Sundays, often preceded by a premonition. His claims bewildered doctors who advised him to relocate for his safety.
In response to these unusual claims, the Chief Medical Officer formed a three-doctor team to investigate. On Monday, CMO Dr. Rajiv Nayan Giri, along with SDM Pradeep Raman, Naib Tehsildar City Vijay Prakash Tiwari, Additional CMO Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmed, Dr. Rajendra Verma, and Dr. NK Saxena, visited Ramsanehi Nursing Home for a thorough investigation. The team compared Dubey’s bite marks with those of another snakebite victim from Mohankheda. Initially, Dubey’s first bite marks matched those of the other patient, but the additional six marks did not resemble snake bites.
Deputy CMO Dr. Rajendra Kumar reported that upon reviewing Dubey’s treatment file, it became evident that he suffers from ophidiophobia. Consequently, Vikas Dubey has been referred to a psychiatrist for further assistance in managing his fear of snakes.
