The battle to contain Africa's hidden killers

By Kieron Monks, CNN

Updated 1204 GMT (2004 HKT) December 20, 2017

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Commonly found on the east coast of Africa, the mamba has a bite that can kill humans within a day with venom that attacks the heart and nervous system.
Photos: Africa's deadliest snakes
Black mamba – Commonly found on the east coast of Africa, the mamba has a bite that can kill humans within a day with venom that attacks the heart and nervous system.
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Family of snakes that are responsible for thousands of deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. Their venom attacks the blood, preventing clotting and causing haemorrhages.
Photos: Africa's deadliest snakes
Carpet viper – Family of snakes that are responsible for thousands of deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. Their venom attacks the blood, preventing clotting and causing haemorrhages.
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Known for its loud warning hiss, the puff adder is found across Africa. Its potent venom causes massive tissue damage.
Photos: Africa's deadliest snakes
Puff adder – Known for its loud warning hiss, the puff adder is found across Africa. Its potent venom causes massive tissue damage.
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Commonly found in southern Africa, the cobra can accurately spit tissue-destroying venom over distances of several meters.
Photos: Africa's deadliest snakes
Mozambique spitting cobra – Commonly found in southern Africa, the cobra can accurately spit tissue-destroying venom over distances of several meters.
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Less well known than its black relative, but extremely dangerous, with fast-acting venom that can kill within days.
Photos: Africa's deadliest snakes
Green mamba – Less well known than its black relative, but extremely dangerous, with fast-acting venom that can kill within days.
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The boomslang is known as a shy species but is one of the most venomous in Africa, leading to massive bleeding and death.
Photos: Africa's deadliest snakes
Boomslang – The boomslang is known as a shy species but is one of the most venomous in Africa, leading to massive bleeding and death.
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black mamba snake venomWest African carpet viper puff adder 2mozambique spitting cobrawest africa green mambaboomslang

Story highlights

  • Venomous snakes kill tens of thousands in sub-Saharan Africa
  • Public health experts say the problem has been neglected
  • WHO is developing a plan of action to tackle snakebite crisis