Snake Bite Deaths by Country 2026
- Snakebite death estimates were calculated by multiplying age-standardized estimates of the number of deaths due to contact with any form of venomous animal by the estimated ratio (1:x) of animal toxicity-related deaths that were specifically caused by snake bites (where available).
- It is technically inaccurate to refer to most snakes as poisonous. The term “poisonous” actually applies only when toxic substances are ingested via eating or drinking. Venomous, by comparison, refers to toxins that are injected into the bloodstream. Hence, most “poisonous” snakes are, in fact, “venomous” rather than poisonous.
- That said, at least two species of snake can become poisonous over time because they eat poisonous toads or newts, whose toxins build up in the snakes’ nuchal glands or livers.
The term “snake bite deaths” typically refers to deaths due to bites from venomous snakes. Although approximately 3,700 species of snake have been recorded, only 15-25 percent of these species are considered dangerous to humans, and only a handful of snake families are known to be venomous (Elapidae, Viperidae, Atractaspididae, and some Colubridae). The overwhelming majority of snakes are non-venomous. Furthermore, even bites from venomous snakes are rarely fatal (though they may still induce complications).
Calculating the number of people who are bitten by venomous snakes in each country each year can be logistically challenging, as mandatory reporting of snake bites is not necessarily universal.
Which Continent Experiences the Highest Number of Bites from Venomous Snakes?
The people of Asia experience the most bites from venomous snakes every year. Experts estimate that the annual number of bites inflicted on humans by venomous snakes in Asia is between 250,000 and 1 million. Asia is home to more humans than any other continent, as well as a wide variety of venomous snakes.
Sub-Saharan Africa likely experiences the second-most bites from venomous snake every year (100,000 to 400,000 according to most experts).
Which Continent Has the Most Deaths from Bites from Venomous Snakes?
Although confirmed totals are difficult to obtain, Asia is likely also home to the most deaths due to bites from venomous snakes. Experts estimate that between 15,000 and 55,000 people in Asia die every year from venomous snake bites. The estimate for the number of people who die in sub-Saharan Africa every year of venomous snake bites is between 3,500 and 32,000.
What Happens To People Who Are Bitten by Venomous Snakes But Don’t Die?
Even someone who does not die of a venomous snake bite may develop serious complications. For example, some strains of venom can lead to tissue death, which can cause significant pain and discomfort.
Complications from a venomous snake’s bite can vary depending on multiple factors—primarily how quickly the victim is able to receive medical care and the location on the body where the victim is bitten. For example, if a person is bitten on the leg and does not receive prompt medical attention, the resultant tissue damage can hinder their ability to walk and run. Full recovery from a venomous snake’s bite is usually possible, but may take significant time.
