The bite of the zebra snake, Naja nigricincta nigricincta, has always been a problem in Namibia. This snake is very common in the country, and appears to be attracted to and do well in populated areas, both urban and rural. It is quick to bite, and unlike that of most cobras, its venom is highly cytotoxic. However, the polyvalent antivenom that is available, is ineìective in the treatment of a zebra snake bite. The current recommended medical treatment is radical excision around the site of the bite, of which severe disígurement and amputation is a common outcome. If venom índs its way into the bloodstream, even more problems, including systemic ones, arise. The overall treatment can be expensive, often extending for over a year, especially if initial treatment was too conservative. The only positive aspect is possibly that the zebra snake’s venom is slow acting, giving the victim plenty of time to seek medical help and allowing the medical fraternity time to debate the best course of action. Although fatalities are rare, zebra snake bites are a serious national public health hazard.