As Nag Panchami is observed on September 1, attention is once again turning to snakebite cases and the importance of timely medical treatment. Gujarat records an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 snakebite cases every year. Of the 63 snake species found in the state, 59 are non-venomous, while four are considered medically important venomous species.According to the information available, only around 5% to 10% of reported snakebites involve venomous snakes. The overall mortality rate from snakebites in the state is reported to be around 1% to 2%, although the risk can vary depending on the species, amount of venom injected and how quickly treatment is received.
Four venomous snakes found in Gujarat
The major venomous snakes responsible for serious bites in Gujarat include the Indian cobra, common krait, Russell’s viper and saw-scaled viper (Echis). Snakebite cases are reported more frequently in parts of Saurashtra and South Gujarat, including areas of Junagadh, Porbandar, Rajkot, Amreli, Devbhumi Dwarka, Kutch, Valsad, Aravalli and Dang.Snake venom can affect the nervous system, blood, muscles and other vital organs. Cobra and krait venom can cause severe neurological effects, including paralysis and breathing difficulties, while viper venom can cause bleeding, tissue damage and organ failure.
Antivenom is the key treatment
Experts stress that snakebite victims should be taken to a hospital or health centre as quickly as possible. Anti-snake venom (ASV) is the specific treatment for bites involving venomous snakes, and treatment should not be delayed in favour of traditional remedies, venom-sucking, rituals or other unproven methods.When the species of snake cannot be identified, doctors may use polyvalent antivenom, which is designed to neutralise the venom of multiple medically important snake species.
How is antivenom made?
To produce antivenom, venom is collected from medically important snakes and carefully processed. Small, controlled quantities of venom are used to immunise animals such as horses, whose bodies produce antibodies against the venom. These antibodies are then collected, purified and processed to make antivenom.
Gujarat is also planning to develop a world-class snake research and conservation facility at Dharampur. The proposed centre is expected to accommodate around 3,000 snakes and focus on developing region-specific antivenom capable of targeting venom from snakes found across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
On Nag Panchami, experts and health authorities continue to emphasise that while snakes have an important place in India’s cultural traditions, a suspected snakebite should always be treated as a medical emergency and taken to a hospital without delay.