Imagine going to a safari to have fun only to unexpectedly get bitten by a snake.

That was exactly what happened to a Dutch man who went for a safari trip in South Africa.

According to a report in the New York Post, a cobra bit his private part, causing it to rot.

Snake hiding in toilet bowl

Quoting Urology Case Reports, the report said that the 47-year-old man suffered from scrotal necrosis after the snake which was lurking in the toilet bowl, attacked him.

Necrosis or necrotising fasciitis is often referred to as "flesh-eating disease". It is caused by bacteria infecting tissues and requires immediate medical attenton.

The report said that this is a first case of “snouted cobra envenomation of the genitals”.



Three hours after the attack, the man was airlifted by helicopter to the nearest trauma centre for treatment. He was also reportedly vomiting and having a burning sensation as well as pain that shot up from his groin into the abdomen and upper chest.

“His penis and scrotum were noted to be swollen, deep purple in colour, and painful on hospital admission. Scrotal necrosis was diagnosed, and he received multiple doses of a non-specific snake venom antiserum and broad-spectrum antibiotics,” the medical report stated.

The report further added that the hospital performed hemodialysis due to acute kidney injury as well as reconstructive surgery.

The man also underwent “penile shaft debridement”.

Thankfully, he has since recovered.