Chinese woman dies in Sanya after suspected snakebite; family alleges hospital delays
A 27-year-old Chinese woman working in Singapore died in Sanya, Hainan, after a suspected venomous snakebite. Her family alleges hospitals misdiagnosed her condition and delayed treatment, sparking public outcry and an official investigation.
- Fu Qi, 27, a teacher based in Singapore, died in Sanya after a suspected snakebite.
- Family alleges hospitals misdiagnosed the bite, delayed treatment, and failed to administer antivenom.
- Authorities sealed medical records and launched an investigation into both hospitals’ handling of the case.
- Fu was an only child from Liaoning and had plans for postgraduate study.
- Hainan records thousands of snakebite cases annually, with experts long warning about gaps in emergency treatment standards.
A 27-year-old Chinese woman, Fu Qi, died in the early hours of 2 June 2025 in Sanya, Hainan, after what is believed to have been a venomous snakebite. Fu, a kindergarten teacher based in Singapore, had been on holiday with her boyfriend when tragedy struck.
Her sudden death has triggered grief, outrage, and a wave of public concern in China, fuelled by allegations from her family that hospitals delayed treatment and misdiagnosed her injuries.
Sudden bite during evening walk
According to multiple Chinese media reports, the incident happened on the night of 1 June, Fu and her boyfriend were walking back to their hotel when she felt a sharp pain in her ankle near a flowerbed. She noticed two small puncture marks and suspected a snakebite, though the exact creature responsible was not identified.
Fu sought treatment at Sanya Central Hospital, where her family says doctors were uncertain of the cause. According to a social media post by her sibling, staff chose to run blood tests before diagnosing a snakebite.
During the critical four-hour window that followed, Fu began vomiting but was reportedly treated with medication for fever and minor infections. Her family claims doctors misjudged the situation, wasting valuable time.
As her condition deteriorated, Fu was transferred to Sanya 425 Hospital. Despite resuscitation attempts, she died within hours of the bite.
Official investigation launched
On 3 June, the Sanya Municipal Health Commission confirmed Fu had been bitten by an “unidentified object” and visited two hospitals before her death. Authorities sealed the medical records, formed an investigation team, and assigned a provincial expert panel to review the case.
Officials said they are overseeing aftercare procedures and providing support to the bereaved family.
Fu’s relatives, however, have been outspoken in their criticism. They alleged she explicitly told doctors at Sanya Central Hospital that she suspected a snakebite, but her wound was dismissed as an insect bite. The hospital did not initiate emergency snakebite protocols, administer antivenom, or suggest transferring her to a specialised facility.
By the time she reached Sanya 425 Hospital, her family said, her symptoms had worsened significantly and it was too late for effective treatment.
A life cut short
Fu, an only child from Liaoning province, had been teaching in Singapore and was planning to pursue postgraduate studies. Her death during what was meant to be a short holiday has devastated her family and friends, and sparked calls online for better medical preparedness.
Snakebite risks in Hainan
Hainan is home to 74 snake species, 27 of which are venomous. In recent years, Sanya 425 Hospital treated over 3,300 snakebite cases, including 96 from the highly venomous banded krait.
In 2024, provincial political advisor Liu Zelin called for a unified emergency treatment network for snakebites, warning that inconsistent protocols and limited access to antivenom posed serious risks.
