Year: 2026 | Month: January-March | Volume: 11 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 41-47
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijshr.20260104
Profile of Snake Bite Deaths Autopsied at a Tertiary Care Centre in the Year 2023
S. Angayarkanni 1
1Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, Government Chengalpattu Medical College, The Tamil Nadu Dr.M.G.R Medical University, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India.
Corresponding Author:S. Angayarkanni
ABSTRACT
Objective: To create a socio-demographic profile of snake bite envenomation deaths autopsied at a tertiary care centre in the year 2023.
Methods: Cross sectional study of data collected from the police requests for autopsy and history of the cases from department of forensic medicine and toxicology
Results: In the year 2023, 52 dead bodies were autopsied with history of snake bite envenomation. Males appear to be the group most likely to die from a snake bite, 2.25 times more than females. The analysis of snake types revealed a notable prevalence of unidentified species (51.92%), while kraits (21.15%), vipers (15.38%) and cobras (11.54%) were also identified as other contributors to fatal bites. Seasonal trends indicated a higher incidence during the monsoon season (55.77%), with evenings (6 pm to 12 am) being the most common time frame for such incidents (36.54%). Indoor environments were identified as the primary location for these fatal encounters (50.00%). Lower extremities were the most frequently affected body parts (57.69%) followed by upper extremities (36.54%), emphasizing the vulnerability of limbs during such encounters. Among the occupational groups, farmers were disproportionately affected, representing over half of the cases (51.92%).
Conclusions: This study provides valuable insights into the epidemiology of fatal snake bites, highlighting the demographic, seasonal, and environmental factors that contribute to these incidents. By addressing these factors through targeted interventions, it is possible to reduce the impact of snake bites on public health and improve outcomes for victims
Keywords: Snake Bite, Fatal, Farmers, Toxicology, Snake envenomation, Autopsy.