Bhubaneswar, Jul 30: Amid rising floodwaters in parts of Odisha, the Health Department has issued a snakebite alert for vulnerable regions including Bhadrak, Balasore, and Mayurbhanj.

Director of Public Health, Dr. Nilakantha Mishra, held discussions with the Chief District Medical Officers (CDMOs) of these districts to ensure preparedness.

To tackle the growing threat, anti-snake venom (ASV) has been stocked at all Community Health Centres (CHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the affected areas. The department has advised residents to seek immediate medical attention in case of a snakebite and avoid relying on traditional remedies.

The alert comes in response to a sharp rise in snakebite cases over the past four years. According to official data: 2280 cases were reported in 2021 with the numbers surged to 4855 in 2022, 9325 the next year, and 16,682 cases were reported last year (2024).

Meanwhile, the number of fatalities has also increased with stats showing 844 deaths in 2021-22, 1001 in 2022-23, and 1016 in 2023-24.

Flooded areas often become breeding grounds for snakes, forcing them into human settlements and increasing the risk of bites. The Health Department is also coordinating with local authorities to spread awareness and ensure timely treatment.

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