Abdul Wahab Khan
Panaji: A new epidemiological study conducted at Goa Medical College (GMC), Bambolim, has revealed a worrying rise in snakebite cases across the state and also in bordering districts of two neighbouring states over the past five years, showing concerning mortality patterns that demand immediate public health interventions.
Stating that snakebite envenomation is “a severe yet neglected public health threat” disproportionately affecting rural areas, the study has called for policy-driven interventions, stronger healthcare infrastructure, and targeted awareness efforts, particularly during the monsoon season, when the risk is highest. The research was published in The Academic journal’s June 2025 issue.
The study by Purvi Ulhas Mishal, a forensic student at GMC, and Dr Chetan Karekar, Assistant Lecturer in forensic medicine and toxicology, examined 1,663 cases reported between 2020 and 2024, offering one of the most detailed epidemiological accounts of snakebite envenomation in the region.
Researchers undertook the study to better understand the scope of snakebite-related emergencies, particularly in rural and agrarian settings where contact with snakes is frequent.
“Snakebite poisoning remains a critical medical emergency in endemic areas. The study provides a five-year lens on the magnitude of the problem in Goa and bordering districts of the two neighbouring states,” the authors have noted.
Using a retrospective observational approach, the team analysed hospital records from casualty wards, outpatient clinics, and emergency departments. Their methodology involved mapping monthly and annual distribution, classifying cases by type of venom, bite location, survival period, and demographic details such as age, gender, and occupation.
The statistical analysis has revealed fluctuations in case numbers, with 2021 recording the lowest at 304 cases, while 2023 saw the highest at 362.
The overall trend showed a rise from 307 cases in 2020 to 362 in 2023, before slightly declining to 345 in 2024. Mortality data presented further concern. There were six deaths each in 2020 and 2021, a notable dip to two deaths in 2022, but fatalities rose again to five in 2023 and peaked at seven in 2024.
“The surge in 2023 and 2024 indicates possible delays in intervention, increased envenomation severity, or treatment challenges,” the report has observed.
The month-wise breakdown showed monsoon and post-monsoon months to be the worst. July recorded 41 cases in 2022, 35 in 2023, and 38 in 2024, while October 2023 peaked at 40 cases.
Even February and April, which traditionally record lower numbers, showed unexpected spikes in recent years. The researchers have suggested that environmental and behavioural factors during these months could explain the rise.
Demographically, the findings have underlined the occupational risk. Farmers represented 39.58 per cent of cases, followed by students at 23.34 per cent. Men in the age group of 21 to 30 years were most affected, accounting for 20 per cent of the total. Bites were most often located on the lower limbs (60 per cent), followed by hands and fingers (25 per cent).
Geographically, North Goa saw 18 per cent and South Goa accounted for a 22 per cent share of cases, while the bordering districts of Maharashtra (25 per cent) and Karnataka (20 per cent) also contributed, making GMC a referral hub for the region.
The venom profile revealed that hemotoxic bites, typically from vipers, were most common (35 per cent), followed by neurotoxic (30 per cent), cytotoxic (20 per cent), and mixed venom (15 per cent). The King Cobra emerged as a prominent culprit, with cases outnumbering those of Russell’s viper, Krait, and Saw-Scaled viper.
Survival analysis showed that over 60 per cent of patients survived beyond three days, but 26 deaths occurred, mostly within the first 24 hours, highlighting the urgency of immediate anti-snake venom (ASV) administration.
The researchers have recommended early detection, standardised treatment protocols, and community awareness campaigns to reduce mortality.
“Establishing a reliable antivenom supply chain, training healthcare providers in envenomation management, and adopting real-time surveillance systems can improve outcomes,” they wrote.
