While we don’t think that snakebites are much of a threat in developed countries, they’ve long been a problem in the developing world, and shortages of antivenom are making snakebites more serious even in rich countries. Here are some facts and statistics on snakebites and their victims.

• Every year around the world more than 100,000 people are killed by snakebites, and another 400,000 have a limb amputated or are otherwise disabled. Many of the victims are children, and most experts believe this number understates the true toll, since many cases in poor areas are never reported. (McKay, 2017)

References:

McKay, B. (2017, Aug. 26) “Repealing the death sentence of a snakebite.” Wall Street Journal, p. C3