CLINICAL AND FORENSIC INSIGHT INTO SNAKEBITE ENVENOMATION IN NORTHERN INDIA DISTRICT

A. Santosh, S. Amir, A. Viqar, M. Shah, J. V. Srivastava

Abstract: Snakebite is a significant public health problem, especially in the hilly and rural areas of India. The Northen India district - Doda region of Jammu and Kashmir is one such location where the snakebite burden is high due to environmental and geographical challenges. A total of 74 cases were studied. This study analyses the epidemiological characteristics, clinical manifestations, and outcomes of snakebite cases in this region. Our findings indicate that most cases occur in young males during monsoon months, with lower limb bites being predominant. The use of antivenom and supportive management led to favourable outcomes in most patients, but delays in presentation and inadequate first aid often worsened prognosis. Increased awareness, training, and better healthcare access are essential to reduce mortality and morbidity. The snakebite necessitates thorough medicolegal investigation to rule out whether the bite is accidental, rarely suicidal and suspicious of homicidal.
Keywords: snakebite, envenomation, antivenom, public health, rural epidemiology, medico-legal.