Bengaluru snakebites surge to 41 this year: rain and urbanisation to blame?

Bengaluru has witnessed a sharp rise in snakebite cases this year, with 41 reported incidents contributing to a statewide surge. Karnataka has recorded over 4,786 snakebite cases so far in 2024, marking a 46 percent increase compared to 3,268 cases by May last year.

The Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) reports that snakebite-related deaths have also doubled, with 36 fatalities in the past five months compared to 18 during the same period in 2023.

Health officials attribute this alarming trend to a combination of factors. Ongoing rain and changing weather patterns have increased encounters between humans and snakes. Additionally, rapid urbanisation is disrupting natural habitats. A senior health department official explained, "As more infrastructural changes occur near forests, lakes and fields, snakes are losing their homes," forcing them closer to human settlements.

This intersection of environmental changes and urban expansion is heightening risks, underscoring the need for increased public awareness and preventive measures. The health department continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of timely medical intervention to reduce fatalities.

"Karnataka recorded over 36 snakebite-related deaths in the past five months, twice the number reported (18) during the same period last year," according to IHIP.

"So far this year, the state reported over 4,786 snakebite cases — a 46 per cent increase compared to 3,268 cases recorded by May 2024," health officials said.

"Health department officials link this to a mix of factors: Ongoing rain, changing weather patterns and increasing interaction between people and wildlife," they added.

"A senior official in the health department said urbanisation is also contributing to the problem. As more infrastructural changes occur near forests, lakes and fields, snakes are losing their homes," the official noted.

Bengaluru has seen 41 snakebite cases this year amid a statewide surge linked to rain, urbanisation, and habitat loss. Karnataka reported over 4,786 snakebite cases and 36 deaths in five months, nearly double last year, as changing weather and expanding infrastructure increase human-snake encounters.