The researchers analyzed published literature on snakebites, envenomings and deaths from around the world from January 2007 to March 2025.
An updated, August 2026 study on venomous snakebites around the world estimates that at the low end, 2.1 million people are envenomated by snakes every year, and 274,000 deaths occur as a result of those snakebites. The researchers also published a high end estimate of 7 million envenoming and 513,000 deaths annually. The discrepancy is due to under reporting as many snake bites are never medically reported and victims die or recover without ever stepping foot into a healthcare facility. The first study was published in 2008.
Saw scaled vipers bite many people in Northern and Sub-Saharan Africa. Photo by reptiles4all/Shutterstock
The researchers analyzed published literature on snakebites, envenomings and deaths from around the world from January 2007 to March 2025. They employed geostatistical models in an effort to estimate the incidence as well as the annual number of snake envenomings and deaths in countries with snakes are present, including those countries with limited to no data.
The researchers note that venomous snakebites on humans are a major cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia are the regions of the world that are most affected by venomous snakebite.
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The study was done to update estimates that are required to understand the global burden of snakebites, guide prevention in areas in which venomous snakes occur, and provide treatment efforts and improve access to care. The study is also to help support global efforts to reduce illness and death associated with snakebites.
The complete paper, “Estimates of global burden of snakebite: A literature review and geostatistical modelling study” can be read on the PLOS Medicine Journal.
