New Findings Reveal Snakebite Deaths Are Less Common Than Previously Thought
A recent study across 11 states in India, funded by the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), suggests that deaths from snake bites may be significantly lower than earlier estimates. According to the survey, the mortality rate from snake bites is now estimated to be about 0.3 deaths per 100,000 people. This is a stark contrast to earlier figures which suggested a rate of 6 deaths per 100,000, based on a comprehensive survey conducted from 1998 to 2014.
One noteworthy aspect of the study is that it found 43% of snakebite fatalities occurred either outside hospitals or while victims were being transported. Additionally, the survey highlighted that a significant portion of snakebite victims—53%—come from low-income backgrounds.
The interim findings were published in the scientific journal Nature Communications and span a continuous year of data collection, identifying victims through local healthcare workers and family consent. Further investigations are ongoing in regions like Meghalaya and West Bengal.
For instance, in Kerala, during 2024-25, only 31 deaths due to snake bite were reported, compared to an estimated 2,100 based on previous models. This suggests that earlier estimates may have overstated the risk based on community input. Nationwide, the projected annual incidence of snakebites could be around 120,852, but this figure might change as more states are studied.
However, it’s important to note that the study, while significant, only covers 13 of India’s 28 states. States with higher typical fatalities, such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh, were not included.
India holds the highest burden of snakebite incidents globally, accounting for nearly half of all deaths from this cause. This is largely due to the country’s large agricultural population, which frequently encounters snakes in their habitats. The primary venomous snakes responsible for most cases include the Indian cobra, common krait, Russell’s viper, and saw-scaled viper.
Throughout the study period, the total number of snakebites reported in the examined districts was 7,094. Among those, only 2.7% were fatal, with 57% of deaths occurring in hospitals. The majority of victims were men, especially aged 30 to 39, and many of them were engaged in unskilled labor or farming. Notably, 62% of bites occurred during the monsoon season, highlighting a seasonal risk factor for those living in affected areas.
