Six snakebite myths you should stop believing: Doctor explains

In India, snakebite remains a major hazard, one that can occur at workplaces, in fields, or while people are outdoors. The country is home to a wide variety of snakes, both venomous and non-venomous and a single bite can sometimes turn life-threatening. While the world has around 3,000 species of snakes, the World Health Organisation has identified about 250 as medically significant. India alone has more than 300 species, but only 52 are venomous. Among them, four stand out as the most dangerous: the cobra, common krait, Russell’s viper and saw scaled viper.

Kerala alone has more than 120 species of snakes, and all of them are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Across many parts of the world, deaths and disabilities caused by snakebite continue to pose a serious public health challenge. According to the World Health Organisation, nearly 50 lakh snakebite incidents occur globally each year. Of these, around 27 lakh lead to envenoming and an estimated 81,000 to 1,38,000 people die annually. Dr Ajith Venugopalan, Head of the Emergency Medicine and Trauma Care Department at Caritas Hospital, Kottayam, discusses snakebite facts, myths, and preventive measures in detail. 

A neglected problem
Many survivors are left with severe consequences, including amputations and long-term disabilities. In India alone, between 11,000 and 50,000 deaths are reported every year due to snakebite. Recognising the scale of the problem, the World Health Organisation classified snakebite as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) in 2017. It aims to cut snakebite-related deaths and disabilities by half by 2030.

In Kerala, as many as 334 snakebite deaths were reported between 2017 and 2019, averaging around 110 deaths a year. This is higher than the number of fatalities caused by attacks from other wild animals. Although the death toll fell to 76 in 2020 and further to 40 and 42 in 2021 and 2022, respectively, the problem remains serious. The fact that more than 3,000 severe snakebite cases are reported every year itself underlines the urgent need for effective treatment and stronger preventive measures.

Snakebites in summer
It is estimated that snakebite costs Indian citizens nearly 30 lakh years of health and productivity annually. The scale of that loss is immense, which is why prevention deserves far greater attention. Understanding when and where snakebites are most likely to occur can make a real difference. Snakebite incidents usually rise during the summer months. In Kerala, snakes are more likely to emerge between March and May, when rising temperatures drive them out in search of water and prey.

At the same time, activity in fields, farms and plantations also increases, thus raising the chances of encounters between people and snakes. Water scarcity heightens the risk, as rats move closer to human settlements in search of food and shelter, often drawing snakes in their wake. As a result, snake sightings become more common in rural areas as well as in places on the fringes of urban centres.

Warning signs of snakebites
If treatment is delayed, bites from such snakes can quickly turn dangerous, affecting the nervous system, triggering excessive bleeding and disrupting the functioning of the kidneys and other vital organs. The first warning signs often include pain at the site of the bite, fang marks (though these may not appear in every case) and bleeding from the wound. This can soon be followed by bleeding from other parts of the body, rapid swelling around the bite area, difficulty in breathing and extreme weakness.

Myths and facts
Myth 1: 'The venom can be sucked out by mouth.'
Fact: Trying to suck out venom does not remove it from the body. Instead, it can worsen the wound and expose the person helping to infection.
Myth 2: 'Cut the wound to let the venom out.'
Fact: Cutting the wound only increases bleeding and raises the risk of infection. It does nothing to remove venom.

Myth 3: 'Tie the area tightly above the bite to stop the venom spreading.'
Fact: Tying it too tightly can block blood flow to that part of the body. This may damage tissues and, in severe cases, may even lead to the limb being amputated.

Myth 4: 'If there is no pain, there is no danger.
Fact: Some highly venomous snakes may cause little or no pain at first. Serious symptoms can appear later.
Myth 5: 'The snake must be caught or killed.'
Fact: This is both dangerous and unnecessary. There is no need to bring the snake to the hospital. Doctors treat the patient based on symptoms. Wasting time trying to catch the snake only increases the risk.
Myth 6: 'Every snakebite leaves fang marks.'
Fact: In bites from some deadly snakes, such as the common krait, fang marks may not be visible at all.

Preventive measures
Reducing snakebite incidents requires public awareness, clean surroundings and personal precautions. Here are a few personal safety measures:
a)Always wear slippers or shoes when stepping outside, especially at night.
b) Use a torch or flashlight in poorly lit areas.
c)Avoid walking barefoot in fields, forested areas or near water bodies.

Safety measures at home
a)Keep the surroundings of the house clean by removing debris and clutter where snakes may hide. This also helps prevent rats from being attracted to the area.
b)Store food properly to discourage rats from entering the house.
c)Seal cracks and holes in walls and floors.

Safety in farms and fields
a)Wear gloves and boots while working in farms or fields.
b)Do not place your hands into burrows, dense vegetation, or hidden spaces without checking them carefully first.

SARPA (Snake Awareness, Rescue and Protection App)
Under the Kerala Forest Department, the SARPA app has brought a major change in snake rescue and protection efforts. It is a special platform created to safely capture and relocate snakes found in human-inhabited areas. If you spot a snake, maintain a safe distance. Take a photograph of the snake using your smartphone and upload it to the SARPA app. Trained snake rescuers will be alerted, and assistance will reach you as quickly as possible.