Snakebites kill 1,000 people annually in Nepal

KATHMANDU: Approximately 20,000 people are bitten by snakes annually in Nepal, resulting in about 1,000 deaths, according to data presented at a recent interaction program in Rajbiraj, Saptari. Public health expert Kailash Khaki Shrestha shared the statistics, citing data from the World Health Organization.

Shrestha noted that out of 89 snake species found in Nepal, 17 are venomous. He emphasized the importance of seeking medical treatment immediately rather than relying on traditional healing methods. “A snake bite does not necessarily mean death; one can save their life by staying calm and reaching a snakebite treatment center in time,” he said.