Deaths caused by snakebites a ‘notifiable disease’ says Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar
In the wake of the snakebite incident at a tribal residential ashram school in Japtalai village, Dhanora taluka, Gadchiroli, where six schoolgirls were bitten, with three losing their lives, the Public Health Department initiated steps to notify the disease.
Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar has declared snakebite deaths as a 'notifiable disease' in the state. This means that all suspected, probable, or confirmed snakebite cases, as well as resulting deaths, must be reported to health authorities. The decision aims to improve monitoring of snakebite incidents, enable timely treatment, and plan for the availability of Anti-Snake Venom Vaccine (ASV).
Prakash Abitkar has instructed health institutions to report snakebite cases to District Health Officers or District Surgeons, with the information being recorded in various reporting systems. The incident at a tribal residential ashram school in Japtalai village, Gadchiroli, where six girls were bitten and three died, prompted the Public Health Department to initiate this step.
The government has appointed Snakebite Nodal Officers at various levels to manage the data and take preventive measures. Health institutions will record details such as the date, place, age, sex of the patient, snakebite condition, symptoms, treatment received, ASV administration, referrals, treatment outcome, and death if applicable.
This data will help in planning, making ASV available in high-incidence areas, and creating awareness about snakebite prevention, prompt reporting, first aid, referral services, and appropriate treatment.
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