Global snakebite burden may be far higher than previously estimated

Venomous snake bites can cause illness, disability and death in tropical and subtropical regions. A study published on August 25th in PLOS Medicine by Dileepa Ediriweera and Anuradhani Kasturuiratne at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK, and the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, and colleagues suggests that the incidence of snake envenoming and snakebite mortality is much higher than previously estimated.

Snake envenoming disproportionately affects rural communities of low socioeconomic status. However, lack of data has inhibited accurate estimations of global snakebite burden. In order to calculate a range estimate for annual global snake envenoming, researchers reviewed literature on snakebites occurring in 79 countries published between January 2007 and March 2025. The researchers then developed geostatistical models based on the data inputs from their review of snake envenoming and mortality. Low and high estimates of global snakebite burden were calculated that produced individual-country estimates.

The study estimated that between 2.1-7 million people experience snake envenoming each year, and that annual mortality ranges from 274,000 to 513,000 people. Low-income countries exhibit the highest incidence and mortality rates, with sub-Saharan Africa accounting for 45% of global envenomings and deaths. The study was limited by the availability and quality of data, however, the limited data likely underreports the number of snake envenoming incidents.

According to the authors, "Our study suggests that previous burden estimates may have substantially underestimated the scale of the problem. These findings highlight the need for improved prevention, surveillance, access to antivenom and clinical care, particularly in the most affected regions. We hope our updated estimates help governments and international organisations prioritise resources and monitor progress towards reducing the burden of snakebite".

The authors add, "Snake envenoming is a far greater global crisis than previously recognised. Our findings establish the critical baseline needed to scale up clinical care and treatment access in low-income regions across sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.