Health & Lifestyle
Snakebite Incidents Rise Sharply Across Jharkhand
Jharkhand has recorded 9,438 snakebite cases since 2022, prompting the state health department to direct doctors to strictly follow official treatment guidelines amid a steady increase in incidents and fatalities.
Jharkhand has witnessed a steady rise in snakebite incidents over the last several years, with a total of 9,438 cases reported since 2022, according to data released by the state health department.
The increasing number of cases has prompted the health department to instruct doctors and healthcare facilities across the state to strictly adhere to official medical protocols and treatment guidelines while handling snakebite emergencies.
Official figures showed that the state recorded 392 snakebite cases in 2022. The number rose sharply to 1,647 cases with 15 deaths in 2023, followed by 2,760 incidents and 22 deaths in 2024.
In 2025, the situation worsened further, with 4,078 snakebite cases and 26 reported deaths. Till April 2026, Jharkhand has already recorded 561 snakebite cases.
Health experts often associate the rise in snakebite incidents with monsoon conditions, rural habitation near forested areas and limited awareness regarding immediate medical response.
Snakebite remains a significant public health concern in several Indian states, particularly in rural and tribal regions where agricultural activity and limited access to emergency healthcare increase risks.
The state government is focusing on improving awareness, ensuring the availability of anti-venom stocks and strengthening emergency medical response systems to reduce fatalities associated with snakebites.