Up to 1.3 Million Snake Bites a Year: India Tops Global List
What Happened
A study by researchers from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, published in PLOS Medicine, estimates that India experiences between 409,000 and 1.3 million snake bites annually, the highest number for any country. The researchers analyzed data from 79 countries between 2007 and 2025 and found that around 75% of global snake bites occur in just 20 countries.
Key Takeaways
The findings suggest that the global burden of snakebites may be significantly higher than previously estimated. For India, the study highlights the need for better access to antivenom, emergency care and surveillance systems, particularly in rural areas where snakebite victims often face delays in treatment.