Snakebites: A bite that can kill or disable

Snakebites remain a devastating global health issue, causing tens of thousands of deaths and permanent injuries every year.

World Health Organization figures show that roughly 5.4 million people are bitten by snakes globally annually, with between 1.8 and 2.7 million of these incidents resulting in envenoming.

The fatal toll is severe, claiming an estimated 81,410 to 137,880 lives each year. Beyond mortality, the physical impact of venomous bites extends even further, causing approximately three times as many amputations and permanent disabilities as deaths.

The physiological consequences of venomous bites can be rapidly severe. Envenoming can trigger paralysis that restricts the ability to breathe, cause serious bleeding disorders leading to fatal haemorrhage, or lead to kidney failure and extensive tissue damage that ultimately results in disability or amputation.

Certain groups face a disproportionate risk. Agricultural workers and children represent the most heavily affected demographics.

Children are particularly vulnerable, often suffering significantly more severe health impacts from envenoming due to their smaller body mass.

To draw attention to the scale of this threat and promote preventative measures, International Snakebite Awareness Day is observed annually on September 19.