A study led by the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned of an increasing risk of snakebites globally due to reptiles adapting to changing habitats and growing human pressures. The research, conducted in collaboration with the University of Queensland, found that venomous snakes such as spitting cobras, vipers, cottonmouth moccasins, and kraits are coming into greater contact with people as they shift their habitats in response to rising temperatures and growing human activity.
The study, which has been peer-reviewed and published in the journal Toxins, used data from 2013 to 2017 to identify areas where the risk of snakebites is highest. The researchers found that Africa, Europe, South America, North America, and Asia are among the regions most affected by the increasing risk of snakebites.
Experts warn that the increasing risk of snakebites poses a significant threat to human health, particularly in rural and remote areas where access to medical care may be limited. The WHO has called for increased awareness and education about the risks of snakebites, as well as improved access to antivenom and other treatments.
The study's findings are in line with existing research on the impact of climate change on reptile habitats and human-snake interactions. A study published in 2020 by the University of Oxford found that climate change is altering the distribution and abundance of venomous snakes in Africa, leading to increased encounters between humans and snakes.
While the study's findings are concerning, experts note that the risk of snakebites can be mitigated through education, awareness, and the implementation of snakebite prevention measures. The WHO has developed guidelines for the prevention and treatment of snakebites, which include advice on how to avoid encounters with venomous snakes and how to treat snakebites if they occur.