Why in the News?

The Union Health Ministry has urged states to make snakebites a Notifiable Disease, meaning both private and public hospitals must report it to the government.

What are Notifiable Diseases?

• Notifiable diseases are those that must be reported to the government for effective public health monitoring and management. These are typically:
  • Infectious diseases likely to cause outbreaks.
  • Diseases that result in deaths or require quick action to prevent wider transmission.

• Legal Basis:

• • According to WHO’s International Health Regulations, 1969, disease reporting is mandatory for global surveillance.
  • The primary law governing notifiable diseases is the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 which outlines the reporting requirements for diseases considered a public health threat.
    • However, the specific list of notifiable diseases can vary across different states and is typically determined by the respective state governments under their individual public health acts.
• Common examples of notifiable diseases include tuberculosis, HIV, cholera, malaria, dengue, and hepatitis.

Why snakebite is considered a Notifiable Disease?

• Snakebites can cause severe health issues, including paralysis, fatal hemorrhages, and tissue damage, making it crucial for timely intervention.
  • Victims need immediate antivenom treatment to prevent death and long-term effects.
• In 2009, the WHO added snakebite to its list of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD), acknowledging its widespread impact on public health.
• Making snakebites a notifiable disease will enhance surveillance, help track case numbers, and improve treatment strategies across the country.
• It will ensure the availability of adequate antivenoms in regions where snakebites are frequent.
• Medical staff will receive training to handle snakebite cases effectively, reducing mortality rates.

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