Global snakebite envenoming and mortality incidence are higher than previously reported
Venomous snake bites can cause illness, disability and death in tropical and subtropical regions. A study published Aug. 25 in PLOS Medicine by Dileepa Ediriweera and Anuradhani Kasturuiratne, along with colleagues at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK, and the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, suggests that the incidence of snake envenoming and snakebite mortality is much higher than…
A study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that the incidence of snake envenoming and mortality is significantly higher than previously reported, with estimates ranging from 2.1 million to 7 million cases and 274,000 to 513,000 deaths annually. The research, conducted by a team of international scientists, highlights the disproportionate impact on rural communities in low socioeconomic status areas, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where 45% of envenomings and deaths occur.
The study emphasizes the need for improved prevention, surveillance, access to antivenom, and clinical care, especially in the most affected regions.
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