WHO: Snakes cause 138,000 deaths and 400,000 disabilities each year

The World Health Organization said in a new statement that a person is bitten by a snake every 10 seconds worldwide, according to estimates, and snakebite poisoning is a life-threatening disease caused by toxins found in the bite of a venomous snake.

It is estimated that snakebites cause about 81,000 to 138,000 deaths and 400,000 permanent disabilities worldwide each year.

She added that snakebites are a neglected public health issue worldwide, especially in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, and these bites disproportionately affect vulnerable groups such as rural communities, children, and populations affected by crises.

Solutions include improving education and awareness among communities living in areas where venomous snakes are present, training health workers in snakebite management, and ensuring quality antivenom for endemic snake species is available in health facilities within 4-6 hours of at-risk communities. However, killing snakes is not a solution. Snakes are important animals, particularly as prey on common insect pests that can affect agricultural production and food security, and are therefore essential to maintaining balance in ecosystems.