Snake Bite Deaths by Country 2025
Snakebite Deaths 1990-2019
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
35,000
40,000
45,000
50,000
55,000
5 Countries with the Most Snakebite Deaths
- 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).
When people talk about snake bite deaths, they are usually referring to snake bites that are poisonous. It can be difficult to determine the number of people who are killed every year by a snake bite because the overwhelming majority of snake bites do not contain any poison at all.
Even though there are approximately 3,700 species of snakes, only 15 percent of these species are considered dangerous to humans, and only two major families are known to be poisonous. Furthermore, just because a snake bite is poisonous does not necessarily mean it will cause a human fatality.
In addition, it can be difficult to calculate the number of people who are bitten by poisonous snakes, as mandatory reporting is not necessarily universal. Even though there might be a few million snake bites every year, not every snake bite is poisonous, and not every bite from a poisonous snake leads to an injection of venom. Even if someone does not die, complications can develop.
Which Continent Has the Highest Number of Poisonous Snake Bites?
Without a doubt, Asia is the continent that is home to the most poisonous snake bites every year. Most people estimate that the total number of poisonous snake bites in Asia is between 250,000 and 1 million. Asia has the largest number of people, and it is home to a wide variety of poisonous snakes.
Sub-Saharan Africa is likely home to the second largest number of poisonous snake bites every year. Most people estimate the number of poisonous snake bites in sub-Saharan Africa is between 100,000 and 400,000.
Which Continent Has the Most Deaths?
It is similarly difficult to estimate the number of people who die from poisonous snake bites every year. Given that Asia has the highest number of poisonous snake bites every year, it is likely home to the most deaths as well. Most people estimate that between 15,000 and 55,000 people in Asia die every year from poisonous snake bites. The estimate for the number of people who die in sub-Saharan Africa every year of poisonous snake bites is between 3,500 and 32,000.
What Happens To People Who Do Not Die of Poisonous Snake Bites?
Even if someone does not die of a poisonous snake bite, it is still possible for them to develop serious complications. For example, some of the venom released by poisonous snakes can lead to tissue death. This can cause a tremendous amount of pain and discomfort.
The complications can vary depending on the location on the body where someone is bitten. For example, if someone is bitten on the leg, the venom can lead to tissue damage in the leg, making it difficult for someone to walk and run. Even though it is possible for someone to develop a full recovery after being bitten by a poisonous snake, it can take some time. It also depends on how quickly the individual receives medical care from a local doctor.
