Latin America Works to Prevent Deaths Caused by Venomous Animals

Countries across Latin America and the Caribbean are developing a coordinated strategy to reduce the health and economic impacts of accidents caused by venomous animals. Snakebites, scorpion stings, and encounters with venomous spiders and caterpillars claim hundreds of lives annually and leave thousands with permanent disabilities, particularly in rural and indigenous communities.

At the First Regional Meeting of National Programs for Venomous Animal Accidents (REDPEVA), held on Aug. 21–22 at the Butantan Institute in São Paulo, Brazil, Jarbas Barbosa, Director, PAHO, highlighted the need for a unified response to prevent “avoidable deaths and disabilities” caused by envenoming.

Latin America and the Caribbean see over 57,000 snakebite cases annually, though actual numbers are likely higher due to underreporting in remote areas. A PANAFTOSA survey found that scorpion and spider envenoming cases increased between 2021 and 2024, averaging 198,647 and 48,345 cases per year, respectively, while snakebite and caterpillar incidents remained stable but above previous years’ levels. Worldwide, snakebites affect 5.4 million people each year, resulting in more than 80,000 deaths and leaving three times as many with long-term disabilities.

Barbosa says that climate change is shifting ecological patterns, increasing exposure to venomous species in new areas. He adds that addressing this threat requires a “coordinated and sustained regional response” guided by a One Health approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health sectors.

REDPEVA aims to establish a regional framework that focuses on building collaborative networks, mapping high-risk areas, standardizing surveillance, and improving access to antivenoms. PANAFTOSA introduced updated guidelines on snake envenoming and a virtual training course to equip healthcare professionals with critical response skills. This initiative complements the WHO’s efforts to reduce snakebite deaths by 50% by 2030, including its Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming and the observance of International Snakebite Awareness Day on September 19.

REDPEVA represents a significant step in addressing a public health issue that has long been overlooked, says PAHO. By sharing expertise, improving preparedness, and strengthening healthcare responses, participating countries aim to reduce both mortality and long-term disability from venomous animal accidents across the Americas.