"82% of Global Snakebites" ... 64,000 Deaths Annually from Snakebites in India

Research Involving Researchers from 22 Countries Finds Total Global Victims Number 78,600
In India, Fatal Accidents Occur in Remote and Rural Areas with Limited Access to Prompt Treatment

An Indian holding a snake in Kolkata, India. Photo by EPA, Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jeong-wan] A research study has revealed that more than 64,000 people die from snake bites annually in India. On the 7th (local time), Indian media such as The Hindu reported that the scientific journal Nature Communications recently disclosed this information.

According to the study involving researchers from 22 countries, out of the 78,600 people who die from snake bites worldwide each year, 64,100 cases (82%) were recorded in India. In particular, the northern state of Uttar Pradesh reported the highest number of deaths at 16,100 due to snake bites. Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state in India, with approximately 240 million residents. This was followed by the central state of Madhya Pradesh (5,790 deaths) and the western state of Rajasthan (5,230 deaths).

The venomous snakes responsible for deaths in India mainly include Russell's viper, krait, and cobra. Experts explained that most attacks by these venomous snakes occur in remote or rural areas where prompt medical treatment is not available, often resulting in fatal outcomes.

The researchers participating in this study pointed out that despite the significant threat posed by venomous snakes, India lacks national strategies such as snake bite prevention programs or support for those disabled by snake bites. They added that preventing snake bite incidents is not an easy task as it is linked to social, cultural, and religious factors, emphasizing that "investment should be made to strengthen the healthcare system and community-based prevention programs."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.