2023-11-19 14:19:03
Snakebites Causing High Mortality Rates Worldwide
Every year, an estimated 5.5 million people around the world are bitten by snakes, and although not all bites lead to poisoning, they do cause a significant number of deaths. On average, about 100,000 deaths per year are attributed to snakebites, putting it ahead of recognized tropical diseases such as dengue and cholera.
According to reports, India is especially hard hit, with 80% of snakebite deaths worldwide occurring in the country, resulting in a mortality rate of four deaths per 100,000 people. Overall, South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa are identified as the most dangerous areas for snakebites.
The toxicity of snake venom depends on the quantity, and it is important to note that there is no poison that kills within a few minutes. The immediate risk is mainly due to severe allergic reactions, rather than the toxicity of the venom itself.
Reducing the mortality rate from snakebites has been a difficult task. Experts consider the World Health Organization’s target of halving snakebite deaths by 2030 as a difficult goal to achieve. Rapid interventions and preventive strategies including information dissemination and strengthening the health system in rural areas are necessary to address the issue effectively.
The deadliest snake, often considered to be the horned viper (Echis carinatus), is responsible for more human deaths than any other snake species combined. Another contender for the most dangerous snake is the Desert Taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus), considered the most venomous snake in the world. An antivenom exists but is rarely available due to the snake’s inhabitance in remote areas of the Australian desert.
Other experts point to the black mamba and coastal taipan as the most dangerous snakes in the world, feared for their attack power and ability to inflict multiple bites in a short period of time. With such high numbers of snakebite incidences and deaths, it is clear that more attention and resources need to be devoted to addressing this pressing public health issue.]
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