French politician hospitalised by snake bite - where vipers are found and how to protect yourself

France’s MEP Manon Aubry has been hospitalised after being bitten by a viper, with complications from the venom forcing her to spend time in intensive care.

Ms Aubry, who represents the left-wing party La France Insoumise, posted the incident on her Instagram account this week with a photograph of herself in a hospital bed.

“The week did not go as planned,” she said, explaining that a viper had bitten her and caused complications from the snake's venom entering her body, known as envenomation.

“A viper thought it was a good idea to bite me and send me to hospital for a stay,” she said.

Ms Aubry added that there are fewer than 300 cases of viper envenomation in France each year, “and it had to happen to me!”

The bite, which has severely disrupted Ms Aubry’s political plans, was a timely reminder of the danger posed by the snakes which are widespread in France. 

Where are vipers found in France?

While Ms Aubry shared no information about how and where she came to be bitten, the snakes are found in many rural and mountainous areas in France.

Although viper bites are rare, the asp viper (vipera aspis) is the most widespread venomous snake in the country and can be found in dry, rocky or wooded environments.

Vipers are likely to be encountered when the weather is warm, especially around sunny rocks, piles of stones, long grass and sheltered crevices. They use exposed rocks as natural “heating platforms” to warm themselves.

Ten departments have previously been identified as areas where people should be particularly alert to vipers: Ardèche, Aveyron, Dordogne, Drôme, Haute-Corse, Haute-Loire, Hautes-Alpes, Isère, Lot and Var.

However, seeing a viper does not necessarily mean you are in danger. Snakes generally avoid people and bites usually occur when they are accidentally stepped on, touched or otherwise disturbed.

“A snake does not attack people. It only bites in self-defence, for example if it is touched or accidentally stepped on,” Jean Andrieux, a park ranger for the Vercors Natural Park previously told The Connexion.

What if you encounter a viper?

The best response is simply to keep your distance. “If you encounter a snake, the best thing to do is to go around it at a safe distance and continue on your way,” Mr Andrieux said.

Snakes are highly sensitive to vibrations and will usually move away when they detect people approaching. If you are uncomfortable passing one, stamping your foot can alert it to your presence.

Hikers should be cautious around sunny rocks, piles of stones and dark crevices, and avoid putting their hands into places they cannot see.

The risk of a bite can also be reduced by wearing sturdy, closed footwear and sticking to clear paths rather than walking through long grass or dense vegetation.

How serious is a viper bite?

“Most bites are what we call ‘dry bites,’ meaning the viper bites but does not inject venom,” Mr Andrieux said.

“It's a defensive reaction - it is scared, it bites, but does not release venom.”

When venom is injected and envenomation occurs, however, symptoms can range from swelling and pain to more serious complications. A severe allergic reaction can cause a rapid deterioration in health.

Deaths following snake bites in France are extremely rare, with Mr Andrieux previously telling The Connexion that the annual average is fewer than one.

What should you do if you are bitten?

Anyone bitten by a viper should stay calm and as still as possible and call the emergency services.

The affected limb should be immobilised, while tight items such as rings or watches should be removed in case swelling develops.

Do not attempt to cut the wound, suck out the venom or apply a tourniquet.

Emergency medical teams can assess the severity of the bite and provide treatment, including antivenom where necessary.

It should also be noted that vipers are protected species in France, and should never be killed or deliberately moved.