By Joy Chakrabarty
Snakebite-related deaths may not seem like common occurrences—until we hear news of a fatality or see reports showing how many people have been affected. Behind every number is a person and a family. Snakebite deserves to be taken seriously as a public health issue.
In rural Bangladesh, snakes are a major hazard for people working near fields, ponds and rivers. A survey found that snakebites commonly occurred while people were working in locations such as fields, water, and around homes (Rahman et al., 2010). More recent research using a 16-year dataset from south-eastern Bangladesh found that most bites occurred during the rainy season for cobra and green pit viper, highlighting how snakebite risk can be linked with seasonal conditions (Chowdhury et al., 2024). These patterns show why preparedness should begin before the monsoon.
During heavy rain and flooding, snakes may be displaced closer to human settlements (World Health Organization Bangladesh, 2018). Fear can then make these encounters more dangerous, as people may try to chase, provoke or kill a snake. When a snake is encountered, the safest response is to create distance, stay calm, and keep children and vulnerable people away. Nobody should attempt to catch or kill the snake, especially when doing so could lead to another bite.
Anyone can be bitten by a snake; no one should die. Snakebite deaths are avoidable. Prevention should begin before the snakebite occurs. Communities in high-risk areas can be educated before the rainy season about safer behaviours and household precautions. Keeping the areas around homes clear of rubbish and unnecessary vegetation can help reduce potential shelter for snakes. Special attention should be given to children and older adults.
But what happens when prevention fails?
After a suspected venomous snakebite, the priority is to move away from the snake, keep the person calm and still, immobilize the bitten limb and reach a health facility. Cutting the wound, attempting to suck out venom, using herbal remedies or applying a tight tourniquet can be harmful and should be avoided (World Health Organization, 2019). If the snake can be photographed safely, the image may help medical professionals—but nobody should risk another bite handling it.
Preparedness is also the responsibility of the health system. Bangladesh can use information about snakebite hotspots and seasonal patterns to strengthen preparedness before periods of increased risk. Clinics should monitor antivenom stocks according to demand, while frontline medical staff should be prepared to manage snakebite emergencies. Recent research in rural Bangladesh found that community-based education and engagement improved knowledge and appropriate first-aid practices, demonstrating the value of involving communities directly in snakebite prevention (Faiz et al., 2026).
Snakebite cannot always be prevented, and not every death can be avoided. But some deaths are preventable. Disaster deaths are avoidable. Community education, trained local responders, correct first aid and timely treatment can save lives.
Every life matters. A snakebite should not automatically become a death. With knowledge, preparation, and timely action, more people can survive.
References
Chowdhury, M.A.W., Müller, J., Ghose, A., Amin, R., Abu Sayeed, A., Kuch, U. and Faiz, M.A., 2024. Combining species distribution models and big datasets may provide finer assessments of snakebite impacts. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 18(5), p.e0012161. Available at: <https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0012161> [Accessed 18 September 2026].
Faiz, M.A., Farheen, C., Rashid, R., Jahan, F., Abu Sayeed, A., Ghose, A., Amin, M.R., Rahman, A.S.M.M., Rahaman, F.M.A., Howlader, C., Khan, S., Chowdhury, N., Debi, G.R., Rahman, M.S. and Rahman, A.K.M.F., 2026. Effectiveness of community engagement in snakebite prevention and proper first aid practices: A community trial in rural Bangladesh. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 20(5), p.e0014180. Available at: <https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0014180> [Accessed 18 September 2026].
Rahman, R., Faiz, M.A., Selim, S., Rahman, B., Basher, A., Jones, A., d’Este, C., Hossain, M., Islam, Z., Ahmed, H. and Milton, A.H., 2010. Annual incidence of snake bite in rural Bangladesh. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 4(10), p.e860. Available at: <https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0000860> [Accessed 18 September 2026].
World Health Organization Bangladesh, 2018. Support for health system to fight snakebites. Geneva: World Health Organization.
World Health Organization, 2019. Snakebite envenoming: Questions and Answers. Geneva: World Health Organization.