- A new study led by the University of Exeter showed that about 69 per cent people take steps to prevent snakebites
- Data from the Ministry of Health shows that approximately 15,000 of the global 5.4 million snakebites occur in Kenya each year
Scientists have called for simple, effective steps to reduce the number of people bitten by venomous snakes.
About 140,000 people die every year from snakebites worldwide and another 400,000 are left with permanent disability.
The World Health Organization now recognises snakebites as a, neglected tropical disease and has committed to halving snakebite deaths and disabilities by 2030.
A new study led by the University of Exeter showed that about 69 per cent people take steps to prevent snakebites, but the measures taken do not always reflect evidence-based advice.
The study, venomous snakebites, exploring social barriers and opportunities for the adoption of prevention measures, was published in the Conservation Science and Practice journal.
Harrison Carter, the led author said promoting locally practical methods with the support and understanding of local people could save many lives.
The study was carried out in Tamil Nadu, a snakebite hotspot in India.
“We need to get serious with this problem. Much of the focus has been on antivenom treatment, but this is not always practical due to issues such as cost, frozen storage and distance from treatment centres,” said Carter.
He said despite the increased international focus on this issue, no research has examined what people do to prevent snakebites and how that can be improved.
“With collaborative action from bodies including governments, donor agencies, researchers and communities, we can drastically reduce the number of lives ended or severely impacted by snakebites,” he said.
Data from the Ministry of Health shows that approximately 15,000 of the global 5.4 million snakebites occur in Kenya each year. This results in 1.8 to 2.7 million cases of envenomings.
Snakebite envenoming is a potentially life-threatening disease caused by toxins in the bite of a venomous snake.
“Envenoming can also be caused by having venom sprayed into the eyes by certain species of snakes that have the ability to spit venom as a defense measure,” says WHO.
Data further shows that inadequate past efforts to control snakebite envenoming has produced fragmented, inaccurate epidemiological data.
WHO estimates that these global bites result in 81,000–138,000 deaths annually and leave approximately 400,000 people with permanent disability.
Many bite victims prefer to seek treatment from alternative health care providers, leading to non-reporting and reduced estimates.
In sub-Saharan Africa, up to 32,000 snakebite deaths are estimated to occur every year, but the actual number of deaths remains unknown.
"Many victims do not attend health centres or hospitals and instead rely on traditional treatments. However, available data show 4.5–5.4 million people get bitten by snakes annually. Of this, 1.8–2.7 million develop clinical illness and 81, 000 to 138, 000 die from complications.”