Karnataka sees sharp rise in snakebite incidents in 2024 with 13,235 cases, 101 deaths: Report
Bengaluru: Karnataka has witnessed an alarming increase in snakebite incidents and fatalities, with recorded cases rising from 6,596 and 19 deaths in 2023 to 13,235 cases and 101 deaths in 2024.
According to data from the state's Health Department, as cited by The Hindu, there have already been 415 snakebite cases and three deaths between January 1 and 18 this year.
As per data from the state’s Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) portal, as cited by the news outlet, Hassan recorded the highest number of snakebite cases in Karnataka in 2024, with 850 incidents, followed by Chickballapur and Mysuru, which reported 813 and 790 cases, respectively. The highest number of snakebite deaths occurred in Tumakuru, with nine fatalities, followed by Koppal and Kalaburagi, each reporting eight deaths, and Bagalkot and Shivamogga, which had six deaths each.
The state declared snakebite deaths and cases as notifiable under the Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Act, 2020, in February 2024. As a result, the Health Department in the state mandated that all hospitals, including private facilities, and medical colleges enter all snakebite cases and deaths on the IHIP portal.
Ansar Ahmed, state Project Director of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, stated that making snakebites notifiable had led to better surveillance. “It has resulted in better monitoring, response, and mitigating the effects of snakebites, which have long posed a severe public health concern, especially in the tribal and rural areas,” Ahmed told The Hindu.
He also assured that the state has an adequate stock of anti-venom, with 60,000 vials available across health facilities, adding that it should ideally be administered within six hours of the bite.
Ahmed also mentioned that ANMs and ASHA workers have been trained in the proper handling of snakebite cases, ensuring that patients are quickly shifted to the nearest health facility for treatment. Furthermore, the doctor highlighted that they have intensified their public awareness, information, education, and communication campaign.
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Elaborate traffic arrangement made in view of IPL match in Bengaluru on April 15
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Bengaluru (PTI): In view of the IPL cricket match on April 15 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium here, Bengaluru Traffic Police on Tuesday said that elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure smooth movement of vehicles in the city.
According to the traffic police, Parking will be prohibited on several roads around the stadium, including Queens Road, MG Road, Link Road, Raj Bhavan Road, T Chowdaiah Road, Race Course Road, Central Street and Cubbon Road.
The parking ban will also apply to St Mark's Road, Museum Road, Kasturba Road, Lavelle Road and Vittal Mallya Road. Parking will also be strictly prohibited inside Cubbon Park.
Spectators can park their vehicles at designated locations such as St Joseph's Indian High School Ground, St Joseph's European School Ground, Freedom Park multi-level car parking, Garuda Mall parking, Shivajinagar Bus Stand (first floor), UB City parking and Sree Kanteerava Stadium, the traffic advisory stated.
Entry to the stadium will be allowed through designated gates on Cubbon Road, Link Road and Queens Road, while specific gates have been earmarked for exit. Gate E-10 on Queens Road is reserved for players, support staff, stadium authorities and VIPs, it said.
Pick-up and drop-off points for Ola, Uber and autorickshaws have been arranged at BRV Ground and Manekshaw Parade Ground, the advisory added.
Police urged the public to use BMTC buses and metro services to avoid traffic congestion around the stadium.
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