Shivamogga reports most cases and Koppal most deaths, as Karnataka sees sharp rise in snakebites

Karnataka has recorded a steady and sharp increase in reported snakebite cases over the past five years, with 16,805 cases and 154 deaths reported in 2025, according to data from the Health Department’s Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) portal.

The State reported 950 cases in 2021. The number rose to 3,439 in 2022 and 6,596 in 2023. In 2024, cases more than doubled to 13,235, before increasing further in 2025.

In terms of fatalities, Koppal recorded the highest number of snakebite deaths at 13 in 2025. Chamarajnagar followed with 12 deaths, while Raichur, Dharwad and Davanagere recorded 10 deaths each in 2025. Several other districts have reported deaths in single digits, while a few have reported one or no deaths so far this year. From zero mortality in 2021, deaths increased to 17, 19, 100 and 154 in the 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 respectively.

Notifiable disease

Health officials attribute part of the rise to strengthened surveillance after snakebite was declared a notifiable disease, making it mandatory for government and private health facilities to report cases and deaths.

In February 2024, Karnataka became the first State in India to declare snakebite as a notifiable condition, institutionalising real-time reporting through the public health surveillance system. This marked a critical shift from episodic response to data-driven governance.

In districts

District-wise data for 2025 shows that Shivamogga has recorded the highest number of snakebite cases at 1,002. Other districts with high case load this year include Chikkaballapur, Hassan, Mandya, Mysuru and Koppal, reflecting a concentration of cases in agrarian and forest-fringe regions.

At the lower end, BBMP (Bengaluru city limits) reported 75 cases in 2025, the lowest among reporting units in the State. Urban districts and areas with lower agricultural exposure generally record fewer cases compared to predominantly rural districts, officials said.

Improved surveillance

Padma M.R., Deputy Director, State Surveillance Unit, said improved case detection and mandatory reporting have strengthened data accuracy. “With snakebite classified as a notifiable disease, all cases and deaths must be entered on the IHIP portal. This has improved surveillance,” she said.

She noted that districts with significant agricultural activity, plantation work and proximity to forest areas tend to report higher incidence because of occupational exposure. “Monsoon months typically see an increase in cases,” she said.

State action plan

Under the State Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (SAPSE) launched on Friday, the Health Department released a comprehensive roadmap dedicated exclusively to tackling snakebite. Designated snakebite treatment centres across districts have been identified and the availability of anti-snake venom ensured.

“Timely administration of anti-snake venom and early referral in severe cases can prevent most deaths,” Dr. Padma said. Community awareness on immediate transport to hospitals and avoidance of harmful traditional practices is essential to reducing mortality, she said.

Snake varieties

While Karnataka is home to over 80 snake species, of which nearly 8 to 10 are medically significant, most recorded bites have come from cobras, Russell’s vipers and kraits, the official added.