Kerala: Snakebite Deaths Mount, Kannur Woman Latest Victim

Kerala is grappling with a severe increase in snakebite incidents, leading to multiple fatalities across the state. The latest tragic incident involved a 70-year-old woman, Nafeesa, from Muthukuda in Pattuvam, Kannur district, who succumbed to a snakebite early Sunday, April 26, 2026, while undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital, Pariyaram. Nafeesa was found unwell on Friday afternoon by her daughter's family, initially mistaken for rest as only younger children were present at home. Doctors identified her condition as a snakebite based on symptoms and confirmed envenomation, despite the absence of visible bite marks. Authorities suspect a common krait might have been responsible for the bite, given the circumstances and lack of clear bite marks. This devastating event marked the fifth snakebite-related death reported in Kerala within roughly a week. The other confirmed fatalities include Indira (65) from Nedumudi, Alappuzha, who died late Friday, April 25, after being bitten by a suspected cobra near her bathroom; Seleena (42) from Cheravally in Kayamkulam, Alappuzha, who passed away on Thursday, April 23, following a suspected snakebite, reportedly after attending a wedding reception; eight-year-old Dikshal Dileep from Azhoor, Thiruvananthapuram, who died on Thursday, April 23, after a cobra bite while sleeping; and eight-year-old Aljo from Thrissur, who succumbed to a krait bite while sleeping on or around Sunday, April 19-20. Further compounding the crisis, on the same day as Nafeesa's death, a 75-year-old woman named Vishalakshi from Kanjhar in Kudayathoor, Idukki district, also died from a snakebite. Vishalakshi, who lived alone, was bitten while collecting mangoes near her residence. This brought the total number of snakebite fatalities in the state to six within the recent one-week period, highlighting the alarming frequency of these incidents. The surge in snakebite cases has been attributed by experts to the prevailing extreme summer heat. High temperatures compel snakes to venture out of their usual habitats in search of cooler environments, water, and prey, bringing them into closer contact with human settlements. The current period is also noted as a breeding season for many snake species, further increasing their activity. Predators like rats, drawn to food waste, can also inadvertently attract venomous snakes into residential areas. In response to the escalating situation, the Kerala Health Department has issued urgent advisories to the public. Health Minister Veena George has urged citizens to immediately dial 108 for emergency medical assistance in case of a snakebite. She emphasized that the state's 'Kanivu 108' ambulance service is equipped to ensure timely transport to hospitals that have anti-snake venom (ASV) readily available. The ambulance service is staffed with trained emergency medical technicians who can provide crucial first aid and continuous monitoring to patients during transit. Currently, ASV is accessible in 146 hospitals across Kerala, including selected community health centers and all taluk-level hospitals, with the 108 control room maintaining an updated list of these facilities to ensure appropriate patient routing. However, concerns have been raised regarding the preparedness and infrastructure for managing snakebite cases. The Kerala Government Medical Officers' Association (KGMOA) has highlighted the significant risks associated with ASV administration, including severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis, which necessitate continuous monitoring, ventilator support, and constant medical supervision. The KGMOA has called for strengthening manpower and infrastructure in major hospitals, noting that many casualty departments are often overwhelmed. Furthermore, BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar has alleged government negligence, pointing to delays in treatment and insufficient anti-venom stock in hospitals, which he claims contributed to these preventable deaths. There have been specific allegations of delayed diagnosis in at least two recent snakebite incidents, which reportedly led to fatal outcomes. These unfortunate incidents underscore the critical need for increased public awareness regarding snakebite prevention, prompt medical response, and robust healthcare infrastructure in Kerala.

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