🐍 Snakebite Risk Rising in India: Climate Change May Expand the Range of the “Big Four” Deadly Snakes

-

By Dr. Sk Sabir Rahaman, MBBS, MD (Pharmacology), DFM(Family Medicine), FCFM, CCEBDM, CCLSD 


Snakebites are an often-overlooked public health threat, causing thousands of deaths annually, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. India already accounts for one of the highest numbers of snakebite cases and fatalities worldwide, making it a major medical challenge.

Now, a new study warns that climate change could worsen this crisis by creating favourable conditions for venomous snakes to expand into previously low-risk regions. Rising temperatures, increased rainfall, and higher humidity may shift snake habitats toward northern and northeastern states — raising the risk of human-snake encounters in rural and even urban areas.

⚠️ The “Big Four” Snakes of India

The study highlights that India’s “Big Four” venomous snakes —

  • Cobra 🐍

  • Krait 🐍

  • Russell’s viper 🐍

  • Saw-scaled viper 🐍

…may expand their geographic range in the coming decades, posing new risks to communities. These four species are responsible for the majority of medically significant snakebites in India.

🌍 Which Regions Are at Highest Risk?

Researchers developed a Snakebite Risk Index, integrating climate data, snake habitats, and socioeconomic vulnerability. The following districts/states are highlighted as emerging hotspots:

  • Southern India → Karnataka (Chikkaballapura, Haveri, Chitradurga), Gujarat (Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar)

  • North & Northeast India → Assam (Nagaon, Morigaon, Golaghat), Manipur (Tengnoupal), Rajasthan (Pratapgarh)

Alarmingly, northeastern states like Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, once considered low-risk, may see a >100% rise in suitable snake habitats under climate change scenarios.

🏥 Why This Matters for Public Health

Snakebite is classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD). With India already contributing a large proportion of the estimated 81,000–138,000 global snakebite deaths annually, this expansion could become a public health emergency.

Healthcare systems — particularly rural clinics — may be overwhelmed if antivenom supply chains, first-aid awareness, and emergency response are not strengthened.

✅ Action Plan: How India Can Prepare

Experts recommend a multi-pronged approach:

  1. Improve antivenom access in high-risk and emerging-risk regions.

  2. Strengthen rural healthcare to manage snakebite envenomation.

  3. Educate communities on prevention, safe practices, and first aid.

  4. Enhance surveillance systems to monitor snakebite cases.

  5. Climate action to reduce habitat expansion for venomous snakes.

🔑 Key Takeaway

Snakebites are no longer just a rural hazard in traditional hotspots — climate change is pushing venomous snakes into new territories, exposing millions more people to risk.
A combined effort in healthcare readiness, community awareness, and environmental action will be vital to saving lives.

📌 Source Acknowledgment
This summary is based on findings published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases (2025) by researchers from the Dibru-Saikhowa Conservation Society, Assam Agricultural University, and Pukyong National University (South Korea).
Additional reporting: The Times of India (TOI Trending Desk, Sep 10, 2025).


📘 Prepared by Dr. Sk Sabir Rahaman
📍 Specialist Family Physician | Consultant Pharmacologist | Lifestyle & Diabetes Expert

🌐 Visit My Website for Full Article & other Free PDFs and Resources

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

🏥 Insulin Storage: Myths vs. Facts Every Diabetic Should Know

-
By Dr. Sk Sabir Rahaman, MBBS , MD (Pharmacology), DFM(Family Medicine), FCFM, CCEBDM, CCLSD   For millions living with diabetes, insulin is more than a medication — it’s a lifeline . However, widespread misconceptions about insulin storage often lead to avoidable panic, especially during heatwaves, power outages, or while traveling . 🚫 The Myth: "Insulin must always stay refrigerated" Many believe that insulin instantly loses effectiveness once it’s out of the fridge. This is not true — and can cause undue stress, particularly in hot climates like India or during journeys where refrigeration isn’t available. ✅ The Fact: Most insulin types tolerate room temperature According to World Health Organization (WHO) and insulin manufacturer guidelines : 🔹 Opened insulin vials or pens can be safely kept at room temperature (15–25°C / 59–77°F) for up to 28 days. That means: You don’t need to return it to the fridge every time after injection. It's safe fo...
Read more

🧴 TREATMENT OF POISONING – A COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW

-
By Dr. Sk Sabir Rahaman, MBBS , MD (Pharmacology), DFM(Family Medicine), FCFM, CCEBDM, CCLSD   🧪 Definition & Scope Toxicology : Branch of pharmacology dealing with harmful effects of chemicals on living organisms. Poisoning : Harmful effects caused by ingestion, inhalation, dermal exposure, or injection of toxic substances (drugs, pesticides, household chemicals, industrial agents, venoms). Medico-legal importance : All poisoning cases are medical emergencies. Must be reported to police/authorities (especially suicidal, homicidal, or accidental cases) under Indian law. 🛑 General Principles of Management (ABCDE of Toxicological Emergencies) A – Airway Ensure patency (tongue fall, aspiration common in comatose patients). Place in left lateral position to reduce aspiration. Intubate with cuffed endotracheal tube if airway compromised. Regular suction of secretions. B – Breathing Monitor with pulse oximetry and ABG. Give humidified oxy...
Read more

🌿 Rational Use of Medicines (RUM): A Guide for Safer and Smarter Prescribing

-
By Dr. Sk Sabir Rahaman, MBBS , MD (Pharmacology), DFM(Family Medicine), FCFM, CCEBDM, CCLSD   📍 Specialist Family Physician | Consultant Pharmacologist | Lifestyle & Diabetes Expert Medicines save lives, ease suffering, and improve health outcomes. But when they are used irrationally , they can cause more harm than good. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of the Rational Use of Medicines (RUM) to ensure patient safety, treatment effectiveness, and cost efficiency. In this blog, we’ll explore what RUM means, why it matters, and how healthcare professionals can practice it effectively. 📌 What is Rational Use of Medicines? According to WHO: “Rational use of medicines requires that patients receive medications appropriate to their clinical needs, in doses that meet their individual requirements, for an adequate period of time, and at the lowest cost to them and their community.” In simple words: it’s about prescribing the right medicine, in t...
Read more