Bengaluru: Karnataka is witnessing a sharp rise in snakebite cases this year despite the state rolling out a dedicated action plan to tackle the problem.According to Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), between Jan and the last week of April, Karnataka recorded 3,939 snakebite cases and 39 related deaths. April alone accounted for 961 bites and 11 deaths. Karnataka had reported 3,295 bites and 19 deaths during the same period in 2025, while 2024 saw 2,056 bites and 11 deaths.Health department officials attributed the spike partly to rising temperatures and seasonal changes, but also to better reporting after snakebite was declared a notifiable disease in Feb 2024 under the Karnataka Public Health Act, 2020. “In Karnataka, cases usually begin increasing during summer and continue through the monsoon,” a senior health department official said.Officials warned the coming months could see further increases as agricultural activity intensifies during the rainy season. “May to Sept is generally the peak season for snakebites because people spend more time outdoors and in fields. Human-snake encounters rise sharply during this period,” the official added.The health department, however, argued the increase in numbers may not entirely reflect a sudden jump in incidents on the ground. “Improved reporting is making the difference look bigger. Nearly all govt health facilities are now promptly reporting cases, which was not happening earlier,” the official said, adding that anti-snake venom stocks and treatment systems had also improved across the state.Wildlife rescuers and activists working in rural areas, however, said the situation reflects deeper gaps in awareness and treatment preparedness. Rajesh Kumar, a wildlife rescuer and activist, said: “The govt has made treatment free and notified the disease, but awareness levels remain low, especially in villages where most bites occur. Many people still rely on myths shown in films and television. Some waste precious time going to traditional healers instead of hospitals. That can turn fatal.”Kumar said the state needed stronger grassroots campaigns through panchayats, schools and local health centres before the summer and monsoon seasons. “Snakes are cold-blooded and become more active during hotter months. Summer is also their mating season, so encounters naturally increase. Prevention and awareness are critical,” he added.—–DOs after snakebite■ Stay calm and reassure the bitten person■ Move away from the snake slowly■ Leave the wound area untouched■ Remove rings, watches, belts, shoes or tight clothing■ Immobilise the affected limb with a sling■ Carry the patient carefully in a left-lateral position to the nearest healthcare facility—–DON’Ts ■ Panic or run■ Cut, inject or apply substances on the wound■ Attempt to suck out venom■ Go to traditional healers■ Try catch or kill the snake(Source: Karnataka health department)
