Is Media Creating Panic Over Snakebites In Kerala? Here Is The Truth

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: The media have been reporting back-to-back snakebite incidents across Kerala for the last few weeks. Though these are all genuine cases, the way the media are now reporting them has created the impression that the state is witnessing an alarming trend in the number of snakebites.

Amid this surge in reporting, forest officials have clarified that there is no alarming trend in cases. Despite a marginal increase being reported due to summer heat, the media are playing up and exaggerating the cases while highlighting incidents from across the state.

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As per reports, nineteen people have died due to snakebites in Kerala over the past year. However, there are public safety concerns that the rising temperature in Kerala has increased the human-snake encounters as the snakes hide in human abodes to escape from the scotching heat. On Sunday, the state reported at least six snakebite incidents, including two fatalities.

Residents have reported finding a number of venomous snakes inside houses, creating panic about safety and alerting people to be aware of the situation and take precautionary measures.

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