BENGALURU: Karnataka recorded over 36 snakebite-related deaths in the past five months, twice the number reported (18) during the same period last year, according to Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) under the health and family welfare department.

Officials say this may not only reflect a real rise in incidents, but also a rise in reporting and tracking.So far this year, the state reported over 4,786 snakebite cases - a 46% increase compared to 3,268 cases recorded by May 2024. Health department officials link this to a mix of factors: Ongoing rain, changing weather patterns and increasing interaction between people and wildlife. Bengaluru reported 41 cases; Shivamogga (289) recorded the most cases so far this year, followed closely by Mandya (256), Hassan and Dakshina Kannada.

The highest number of deaths were reported from Chamarajanagar (5); Dharwad and Udupi saw three deaths each. A health official from Shivamogga said, "This region has a significant forest cover, and many communities here depend on forest-based livelihoods. Naturally, this brings them into closer proximity with snakes, which explains the relatively high number of snakebite cases.

Our main concern is ensuring people seek timely medical help and not rely on traditional healing practices or rituals, which are still prevalent in some pockets.

Awareness is growing, and our ability to report and respond to these cases is steadily improving."Seeking drier groundAnsar Ahmed, project director at IHIP, said seasonal variations are significantly contributing to the trend. "Snakes are more active during rainy season and tend to come out of their habitats in search of drier ground or prey, which increases the likelihood of encounters with humans. However, it's not just environmental factors.

Our surveillance systems are becoming more robust and we're now able to review and analyse case data with greater accuracy and depth."A senior official in the health department said urbanisation is also contributing to the problem. "As more infrastructural changes occur near forests, lakes and fields, snakes are losing their homes. They are increasingly found in drains, small water bodies and even inside homes, while searching for prey. During heavy rain, water enters these spaces and pushes snakes into the open.