NEW DELHI: The Kerala government has designated snakebite envenomation a disease of "utmost public health importance", a move aimed at enhancing data collection and documentation in response to concerns over fatalities from related incidents.

The significant decision was made under Section 28 of the Kerala Public Health Act, 2023, as per the gazette notification issued on Friday.

Snakebite envenomation is a life-threatening disease caused by the migration of venomous snakes, it said.

"Snakebite envenomation is hereby declared a disease of public health importance throughout the state," said the notification signed by Dr Rajan Khobragade, Additional Chief Secretary (Health).

Any disease, whether communicable or non-communicable, can be declared as a disease of public health importance

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