Global snakebite burden significantly higher than previous estimates

A global study published in PLOS Medicine indicates that the burden of snakebite envenoming is significantly higher than previous estimates. Researchers suggest that between 2.1 million and 7 million people experience snake envenoming annually, with mortality rates ranging from 274,000 to 513,000 deaths per year.

India has been identified as the world’s snakebite capital, reporting up to 1.3 million cases annually, which primarily affect agricultural workers and rural communities during monsoon seasons. The study notes that nearly three-quarters of all global incidents are concentrated in just 20 countries. Other high-incidence nations include Nigeria with 666,000 cases, Indonesia with 490,000, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo with 467,000.

While India has the highest volume of cases, Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for approximately 45% of global envenomings and deaths. The researchers emphasize that historical data has likely underreported the crisis due to poor data quality and availability. The findings highlight an urgent need for improved surveillance, prevention, and access to antivenom and clinical care in low-income regions.