New study suggests snakebites may be far more frequent
Researchers estimate that each year millions of people in poor rural areas of tropical and subtropical regions suffer venomous snakebites, which can cause potentially fatal envenoming when venom is injected.
By Standard Topic. AI-generated from the reporting listed under Coverage. Published . Updated .
This story is no longer being updated. It reflects reporting up to .
What happened
A new study has mapped snakebites and suggests they are a bigger problem than previously understood. Scientists estimate between two and seven million people experience venomous snake bites each year. Not every bite injects venom, but when it does, it can cause snake envenoming, a potentially fatal condition.
Why it matters
Snake envenoming mostly affects poor rural communities across tropical and subtropical regions where people lack easy access to medical care.
Timeline
- Oct 12, 9:40 PM ET: A new study mapping snakebites was reported, showing hidden dangers beyond what was known.
- Oct 13, 6:54 AM ET: Scientists said between two and seven million people may experience venomous snake bites each year.
Coverage
- Snake bites could be far more common than previously thought, major new study finds (The Independent)
- Snakebites are a far bigger problem than we knew: new study maps the hidden dangers (phys.org)
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