Kerala Declares Snakebite Envenoming a Critical Public health Issue
Kerala government Action:
The kerala government has officially declared snakebite envenoming as a “health issue of critical importance” through a gazette notification.
Purpose of Declaration:
To enhance data collection and documentation of snakebite cases.
To address concerns over the high number of deaths and complications caused by snakebites.
Background:
Kerala is a forest-surrounded state prone to infectious disease outbreaks such as brain-eating amoeba and African swine fever.
Recently, leptospirosis outbreaks and deaths have also been reported.
Alongside infectious diseases, snakebite deaths have raised alarm among health experts.
Snakebite Statistics:
Over 600 deaths in kerala due to snakebites have been reported in the last 10 years.
Official Notification Details:
Issued under Section 28 of the kerala Public health Act, 2023.
Signed by Additional Chief Secretary (Health), Dr. Rajan Khobragade.
Declares snakebite envenoming a “disease of public health importance” across Kerala.
Reason for Declaration:
Snakebite envenoming is life-threatening if untreated or untreated timely.
It can cause death or permanent disabilities.
Declaring it helps set treatment standards and mandates case reporting.
Judicial Background:
The kerala High court pushed for this declaration, noting other Indian states have already notified snakebite as a disease requiring mandatory reporting.
Lack of reliable data had made policy interventions weak.
Additional Measures:
Increased human-snake interaction due to habitat proximity and logging.
Kerala Forest Department has launched the “Sarpa” app to help monitor snake presence.
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