Snakebite Cases as “Notifiable Disease”

GS Paper III Science and Technology

The Central Government has requested all states to classify snakebite cases and deaths as “notifiable diseases.”

Key Highlights of the Directives

Under the relevant provisions of the State Public Health Act or other applicable legislation, reporting suspected and probable snakebite cases and deaths will be mandatory.
This directive applies to both government and private health facilities, including medical colleges.
The initiative aligns with the National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE).

Notifiable diseases are those legally required to be reported to government authorities.
- These include infections likely to cause outbreaks or deaths, necessitating quick investigation and public health measures.

Launch: Launched by the Union Health Ministry in 2023.
Objectives: Aims to reduce snakebite deaths and disabilities by half by 2030.
Implementation: Involves a multi-pronged approach, including:
- Awareness campaigns: Educating the public about snakebite prevention and first aid.
- Capacity building: Training healthcare professionals in snakebite management.
- Anti-venom supply: Ensuring adequate and timely availability of anti-venom.
- Research and development: Supporting research on snakebite toxins and treatment.
- Community engagement: Involving local communities in prevention and control efforts.

Responsibility: State governments are responsible for notifying diseases and implementing reporting mechanisms. The list of notifiable diseases varies across states based on regional health concerns.
Purpose:
- Notifying diseases enables authorities to monitor and manage outbreaks effectively.
- It facilitates early warnings of outbreaks, allowing for timely interventions.
- This process supports better allocation of healthcare resources and targeted public health measures.
Examples of Notifiable Diseases: Commonly notified diseases include tuberculosis, HIV, cholera, malaria, dengue, and hepatitis.
Global Perspective: The WHO’s International Health Regulations mandate the reporting of specific diseases to ensure global health security.

Notifiable Disease

Epidemiology: India records the highest number of snakebite incidents globally.
- According to WHO, there are 3-4 million snakebite cases annually in India, resulting in over 58,000 deaths
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified snakebite envenoming as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) since 2017, underscoring its significant public health impact.
High-Risk Areas: Snakebite incidents are prevalent in rural regions with significant agricultural activity and forested areas.
- States with higher risks include Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat.
Premature Death: The 2020 Indian Million Death Study identified snakebites as a preventable cause of premature death.

Diversity of Snake Species
- India is home to over 310 snake species, 66 of which are venomous.
- The “Big Four” snakes are responsible for90% of snakebite cases:
  - Indian cobra, Common krait, Russell’s viper, and Saw-scaled viper
Antivenom Limitations
- Current antivenoms are effective against approximately 80% of snakebite cases.
- Antivenoms are not effective against all species or regional venom variations.
- Differences in venom toxicity exist across snake species, geographic regions, and even age groups.
Recommended Solutions: Experts recommend setting up regional venom collection banks to improve the effectiveness of antivenom production.
Legal Restrictions: The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, imposes restrictions on venom extraction, impacting the development of region-specific antivenoms.

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