Snakebite Cases as “Notifiable Disease”

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).

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About Notifiable Diseases

• 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.

• 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.

About Snakebites

• 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.

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Challenges with Snakebites

• 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.