A snake bite is a wound caused by a snake when its fangs pierce your skin. Snakes are both venomous and nonvenomous. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in many tropical and subtropical countries, snake bite is a neglected public health issue. According to WHO estimates, approximately 1.8 to 2.7 million people worldwide experience snakebite envenoming each year, with Asia and Africa carrying a substantial share of the burden. An estimated 4,35,000 to 5,80,000 snake bites require treatment annually in Africa. Envenoming primarily impacts women, children, and farmers in poor rural communities within low- and middle-income nations.
During a venomous snakebite, the snake may inject venom into the body through its fangs. However, not all snakebites involve venom, and some venomous snakes may deliver a "dry bite" without releasing venom. It contains a mixture of toxic chemicals that can cause significant harm.
According to The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, Exactly what a particular venom does to the body depends partly on where the snake normally finds their dinner. Snakes mainly use their venom to kill or paralyze their prey, but they may also bite in self-defense when they feel threatened, especially by humans.
Snake venoms can cause paralysis, bleeding, kidney failure, and tissue damage.
Snake venoms are complex mixtures of toxins. While they are often described as predominantly:
Cytotoxic venom
Neurotoxic venom
Hemotoxic venom
Many venoms contain a combination of these effects.
Cytotoxic venom: People bitten by these snakes may develop severe wounds because the venom destroys both skin and bone. In serious cases, they may lose the function of a limb or require an amputation.
Neurotoxic venom: The neurotoxic venom blocks nerve signals to the muscles, including those essential for breathing. Severe neurotoxic envenomation can lead to respiratory paralysis and may become life-threatening without prompt medical treatment.
Hemotoxic venom: Hemotoxic venom prevents the blood from clotting and may send the victim into shock within a few hours after the bite. The person may experience severe bleeding from the wound, nose, and mouth, along with internal bleeding. If left untreated, it can lead to death or permanent organ damage.
Snakes are often misunderstood, which leads to fear, myths, and unsafe practices during snakebite emergencies. Understanding snake behavior and knowing how to respond appropriately to snakebites can help reduce unnecessary harm and improve survival outcomes.
To better understand snake behaviour and snakebite prevention, MedBound Times connected with N. V. Rajiv, Herpetologist and Wildlife Scientist.
Why do snakes bite humans, and are most bites defensive in nature?
N. V. Rajiv: Snakes produce and use venom to kill their prey, and humans are rarely their targets. Hence, most snakebites on humans are acts of self-defense.
Which venomous snakes are most commonly involved in human snake bite cases?
N. V. Rajiv: The cobra, krait, Russell's viper, and saw-scaled viper, collectively known as 'the Big Four' are responsible for the majority of snakebite cases.
What are some common myths or misconceptions people have about snakes and snake bites?
N. V. Rajiv: Common myths include all snakes are venomous, some have heads on both sides and, they seek revenge.
Is it safe or recommended to try identifying or catching the snake after a bite?
N. V. Rajiv: No, it is not recommended to catch the snake. If possible, a photo of the snake can be useful for the doctors. It is usually the symptoms that drive their treatment; treatment is based on symptoms, not snake identification. Also, in India, we use polyvalent antivenom.
How do venomous and non-venomous snake bites generally differ and how can we identify whether the snake is venomous or non-venomous?
N. V. Rajiv: Venomous bites usually show fang marks. They usually show swelling and are associated with systemic symptoms.
To better understand snakebite envenomation and venom research, MedBound Times connected with Dr. Hirakjyoti Kakati, an academic researcher and former Senior Research Fellow at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), specializing in snake venom proteomics, glycoproteomics, and snakebite envenomation studies.
What is the biggest misconception about snake bites that still leads to preventable injuries or deaths today?
Dr. Hirakjyoti Kakati: The biggest misconception about snakebites is not a single misconception but a collection of dangerous myths, such as believing that cutting the wound and sucking out the venom helps, applying a tourniquet, assuming that two puncture marks always mean the bite was venomous, or thinking that a bite is harmless if the snake was not identified as venomous or if severe symptoms do not appear immediately.
Based on current research, what is the single most important message the public should understand about snake bite first aid and seeking medical care?
Dr. Hirakjyoti Kakati: Following any suspected snakebite, the victim must remain calm and as still as possible while being transported immediately to a healthcare facility. The first hour after a snakebite, often referred to as the "golden hour," is critical, as prompt medical evaluation and timely administration of antivenom when indicated can significantly reduce the risk of severe complications and death.
If you could change one thing about public knowledge and behavior regarding snake bites, what would it be and why?
Dr. Hirakjyoti Kakati: If I could change one thing about public knowledge and behavior regarding snakebites, it would be ensuring everyone understands the importance of seeking immediate medical care. Many preventable deaths and disabilities occur because people delay treatment, underestimate a bite's severity, or rely on ineffective traditional remedies and first-aid practices.
Based on current research, are there any warning signs after a snake bite that people commonly ignore but that may indicate serious envenomation requiring urgent medical attention?
Dr. Hirakjyoti Kakati: Early signs of envenomation are often overlooked because they may appear mild or nonspecific. However, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, including progressive swelling at the bite site- particularly when it extends rapidly beyond the affected area-and persistent or worsening pain, even when the bite wound appears small or insignificant.
According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), the signs and symptoms of a snake bite may vary depending upon the specific species of snake involved. The common signs and symptoms of a snake bite are:
At the wound site:
Puncture marks
Bleeding, redness, swelling, bruising, or blistering
Severe pain and tenderness
Whole-Body Effects (Systemic symptoms):
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Upper eyelid drooping, rapid heart rate, weak pulse, low blood pressure
Trouble swallowing, trouble seeing(blurred vision) or breathing
In extreme cases, breathing may stop
Metallic, mint, or rubber taste in the mouth, headache
Increased salivation and sweating
Numbness or tingling around face and/or limbs
Muscle twitching
According to the WHO and CDC guidelines, the immediate first aid steps for a snake bite include:
Dial emergency services right away. Do not drive yourself if you have been bitten, as venom can cause dizziness or loss of consciousness.
Remove anything tight from around the bitten part of the body like rings, watches, and tight clothing before the area starts to swell.
Lay or sit down with the bite in a comfortable, neutral position. Keep the bitten area still to prevent the venom from spreading through your bloodstream.
If possible, immobilize the affected limb using a splint and minimize movement while transporting the person to medical care.
If possible, leave the wound undisturbed and seek medical care immediately. Do not apply substances or attempt aggressive cleaning.
Place a clean, dry, loose bandage or dressing over the wound.
If the person becomes drowsy or vomits, place them in the recovery position to keep the airway clear.
Try to remember the snake's color, shape, and size. If possible, take a photograph from a safe distance. Do not try to catch or kill the snake.
According to the Mayo clinic and CDC guidelines, the following mistakes should be avoided when dealing with a snake bite:
Do not apply ice on the wound.
Never use a tourniquet to tie off a snake bite.
Do not drink alcohol or caffeine.
Avoid pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
Do not use electric shock.
Do not give the victim anything to eat or drink.
Try to stay calm and do not attempt to catch the snake. Simply note its color and shape, as being able to describe the snake will help doctors treat it effectively.
According to Dr. David Williams, Technical Officer (Antivenoms) at the World Health Organization (WHO) and founder of the Global Snakebite Initiative.
He states that the best chance of survival is receiving proper medical treatment within the first 4 to 6 hours after the bite.
Medical help should be sought immediately if the person develops severe pain, swelling, bleeding, breathing difficulty, vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision, weakness, or worsening symptoms after the bite.
Readers seeking additional expert information can refer to the “WHO’s Science in 5 - Snakebites: Life saving facts,” featuring Dr. David Williams, Technical Officer (Antivenoms) at WHO.
According to N V Rajiv, precautions may vary depending on the region. Some important preventive measures include:
Wearing gum boots while working in agricultural fields.
Sleeping on a cot in village setup(particularly in eastern India).
Maintaining proper waste management in urban areas to help control rat populations that attract snakes.
Snake bites can become life-threatening if proper first aid and timely medical care are delayed. Staying calm, avoiding harmful practices, and reaching a hospital quickly can greatly improve outcomes and save lives.
No first aid measure can replace professional medical care. When a snakebite occurs, staying calm, limiting movement, and reaching a healthcare facility quickly can save lives and prevent long-term disability.
World Health Organization. Snakebite Envenoming: A Strategy for Prevention and Control. Geneva: World Health Organization, 2019.
World Health Organization. "Snakebite Envenoming." Accessed June 2, 2026. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/snakebite-envenoming
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Venomous Snakes at Work.” National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Last modified March 3, 2026. Accessed June 2, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/outdoor-workers/about/venomous-snakes.html.
World Health Organization, Regional Office for South-East Asia. Guidelines for the Management of Snakebites, 2nd ed. New Delhi: WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia, 2016.
