02215nas a2200265   4500000000100000008004100001260003400042653001700076653001900093653001400112653002000126653001400146100001200160700001700172700001500189700001300204700001400217700001600231245012600247856006200373300001200435490000800447520146900455022002501924       2025                            d  bOxford University Press (OUP)10aEpidemiology10aPublic health 10asnakebite10aVenomous Animal10aSea snake1 aPatra A1 aMahapatra AD1 aMalhotra A1 aSantra V1 aGhorai SK1 aAnnadurai D00aConflict between sea snakes and humans on the coast of West Bengal and Odisha, India: perception, attitudes and incidents  uhttps://academic.oup.com/trstmh/article/119/6/671/7931484  a671-6780 v1193 a<p>Background Snakebite envenoming is a critical medical emergency and significant global public health issue, with India experiencing the highest annual snakebite deaths. Sea snakes in the Indian Ocean pose a severe threat to rural fishermen due to their potent neurotoxins. Methods From December 2020 to December 2021, we conducted surveys at 15 fishing ports in East Medinipur, West Bengal, and Balasore, Odisha, India (between 21.805651 N 87.874188 E and 21.574851 N 87.374059 E). We interviewed 2301 fishermen in 421 group sessions to document sea snake bite incidents, outcomes and perceptions from 2012 onwards. Historical data were also retrieved from various databases and social media platforms. Results We recorded 166 sea snake bite cases, with 55.4% fatalities, 2.4% permanent disabilities and 41% survivors. Gill net fishermen were the most affected, with most bites occurring while handling snakes caught in nets, particularly at dawn and dusk. Fishermen reported a significant decline in sea snake populations over the past decade due to by-catch and killing practices. Conclusions Sea snake bites are a major occupational hazard for Indian fishermen, with high fatality rates due to limited medical access. Increased awareness, safer handling practices and improved medical infrastructure are essential to reduce mortality and conserve sea snake populations. This study highlights the need for targeted interventions in affected communities.</p>
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