Declaring Snake Bite a Notified Disease

Reference

The Union Health Ministry has urged states to make snake bite a notified disease.

What types of diseases are considered notifiable?

• Notifiable or notifiable diseases are diseases that both private and public hospitals are legally required to notify the government about.
• Generally, infections that have the potential to cause outbreaks, lead to deaths and require prompt investigation to take appropriate public health measures are declared as notifiable diseases.
• Although the list of notifiable diseases varies from state to state, most states consider infections like tuberculosis, HIV, cholera, malaria, dengue and hepatitis as notifiable.

Need to declare snakebite as a notified disease

• According to the 2020 Indian Million Death Study, about three to four million cases of snakebite are reported annually and it is estimated that 58,000 people die each year. This study is a large study examining the causes of premature deaths in India.
• To deal with the problem of snakebite, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, in consultation with the concerned ministries and stakeholders, has launched the 'National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenomation in India by 2030 (NAPSE)'.
  • The aim of this action plan is to halve the deaths due to snakebite by the year 2030.
    

Snakebite Statistics in India

• According to the Central Bureau of Health Investigation report (2016-2020), on an average 3 lakh people are bitten by snakes every year in India.
  • About 2,000 people die every year.

Snakebite Global Statistics- WHO

• Globally, a person is bitten by a snake every 10 seconds.
• Snakebite disease is a potentially life-threatening disease.
  • It is caused by toxins released from the bite of a venomous snake.
• It is estimated that snakebites cause about 81,000 to 1,38,000 deaths and 4,00,000 permanent disabilities worldwide every year.

Snakebite Prevention Efforts

• WHO has launched a global strategy to control deaths and disabilities caused by snakebite.
• National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Deaths launched by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
  • National Action Plan aims to halve snakebite deaths by 2030 through One Health approach.

Snakebite Prevention

• Snakebite Helpline Number (15400) is a landmark initiative.
• It provides immediate help, guidance and support to individuals and communities affected by snakebite incidents.

What to do in case of snake bite?

• Take the person to the nearest hospital immediately.
• Move away from the snake.
• Keep the bitten arm or leg below the level of the heart.
• Try to remain calm.
• Remove jewelry and tight clothing from the bite area.
• Clean the wound with clean water and soap.