Guwahati: Snakebites may dominate public perception during the monsoon, but fresh surveillance data from Demow CHC-cum-Model Hospital in Assam’s Sivasagar district suggests that insect bites have quietly emerged as an even bigger public health concern.
The hospital recorded 163 animal and insect bite cases in July, surpassing the 143 snakebite cases treated during the same month.
According to the hospital’s monthly Health & Wildlife Bite Surveillance Report, unknown insect bites accounted for nearly half of the non-snake incidents, with 78 patients requiring treatment. Other cases included 35 bee stings, 21 spider bites, 19 underwater insect bites, and 10 centipede bites.
Among the snakebite patients, pit vipers accounted for 11 cases, followed by red-necked keelbacks (5), cobras (3), and one banded krait bite.
The trend is reflected in the cumulative figures for the year as well. Between January and July, the hospital treated 416 animal and insect bite cases, slightly higher than the 389 snakebite cases reported during the same period.
Since the surveillance programme began, Demow CHC has treated 3,962 snakebite cases and 953 insect bite cases, making it one of Assam’s key centres for managing wildlife-related injuries.
Doctors attribute the rising number of bites and stings to deforestation, habitat loss, and changing environmental conditions, which are forcing wildlife into closer contact with people. Flooding has further worsened the situation by displacing snakes, insects, and other venomous creatures into villages, agricultural fields, and relief camps.
With floods continuing in several parts of Assam, the hospital has warned that underwater insect bites and other flood-related envenomation cases are likely to increase in the coming weeks.
Dr Surajit Giri and his team have urged people to take precautions, including wearing protective footwear while wading through floodwaters, avoiding contact with submerged vegetation and debris, using torches at night, and seeking immediate medical attention after any bite or sting.
The doctors also cautioned against relying on traditional remedies, stressing that prompt medical treatment remains the most effective way to prevent serious complications, disability, and death.