Health · Public Health & Disease · 2 hrs ago
Model estimates millions of annual snake envenomings worldwide
Researchers used data from 79 countries to estimate the global toll of snake envenoming, when venom enters the body after a bite.
Many cases go uncounted, especially in rural communities where people may live far from clinics or seek care from traditional healers.
Their model estimates at least 2.1 million envenomings each year, with the true number possibly as high as 7 million.
It estimates annual deaths may range from 274,000 to 513,000, because official records miss many cases.
Sub-Saharan Africa bears the heaviest burden, accounting for 45% of global envenomings and fatalities, according to the study.
The World Health Organization aims to halve snakebite deaths and disability by 2030, and mapping the burden by country is a first step toward that goal.
A model estimates that at least 2.1 million people worldwide experience snake envenoming each year, with the true number possibly reaching 7 million.
Annual deaths may range from 274,000 to 513,000, the researchers estimate.
The model addresses gaps in official records, which often miss cases in areas where people cannot reach medical care.
Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for an estimated 45% of global envenomings and fatalities.
The researchers say the findings could help identify where lifesaving antivenom is needed.
- Who
- Researchers studying snakebite and tropical disease epidemiology.
- What
- A model estimates 2.1 million to 7 million snake envenomings worldwide each year and 274,000 to 513,000 annual deaths.
- When
- The estimates are annual. The article was published on 25 October 2026.
- Where
- Worldwide, with the heaviest estimated burden in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Why
- Many cases are absent from official health records, including because victims may live far from clinics or seek care from traditional healers.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The researchers included studies published up to this date in their review.
SciTechDaily published its report on the study’s estimates.
- Annual envenomings, minimum estimate
- 2.1 million
- Annual envenomings, possible upper estimate
- 7 million
- Annual deaths, estimated range
- 274,000–513,000
- Share of global burden in sub-Saharan Africa
- 45%
- Countries included in the study’s data review
- 79