Zimbabwe has officially entered its peak snakebite season, which runs from November to April, and health authorities are urging the public—especially rural communities—to remain vigilant.
While fresh national statistics for this week were not immediately available, earlier data released in July 2025 painted a worrying picture: over 3,000 snakebite cases and 10 deaths recorded since January, underscoring a persistent public-health challenge.
Why Snakebites Surge Between November and April
November signals the start of the rainy season. As temperatures rise and ground moisture increases. Snakes become more active after months of cooler weather.
They seek dry, warm shelter, often in homes, wood piles, and fields. Human activity in fields, gardens, and construction sites also increases—creating more encounters.
Snakebites are a year-round risk, but cases spike sharply during this window, particularly in rural areas where people walk long distances, farm barefoot, work at night, or live in structures that allow easy entry for snakes.
The Six Snakes That Cause Most Severe Bites in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is home to several venomous species, but six snakes account for the majority of serious injuries and fatalities:
• Puff Adder (chiva) The deadliest snake in Zimbabwe and Africa.
Wide-ranging, slow-moving, and often hidden on paths—making it easy to step on.
• Black Mamba (rovambira/nyamubobo)Fast, highly defensive when cornered, and armed with potent neurotoxic venom that affects breathing.
• Mozambique Spitting Cobra (mhungu) Can spit venom into the eyes and cause severe tissue damage at the bite site.
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• Snouted Cobra (nyamafingu)A neurotoxic species capable of delivering serious, sometimes fatal bites.
• Boomslang (bopamupani)Usually shy, but its haemotoxic venom is extremely potent.
• Gaboon Viper (bvumbi/bunga-masakwani) Rare but dangerous; has the longest fangs of any African snake and delivers a high venom yield.
Health Ministry Safety Guidelines
The Ministry of Health and Child Care warns families to take simple precautions that can dramatically reduce risk:
✅ Keep surroundings clean Avoid piles of rubble, bricks, firewood, and litter around the home. These create perfect hiding spots.
✅ Close doors, especially during rains Snakes enter homes seeking dry shelter.
✅ Use a torch at night Many bites occur during late-night trips to outdoor toilets or kitchens.
✅ Wear shoes outdoors Barefoot walking—even briefly—increases risk.
If Bitten:
Authorities stress that prompt medical treatment saves lives.
✅ DO
- Keep the bitten limb immobilised.
- Remain calm and limit movement; it slows venom spread.
- Get to the nearest health facility immediately.
- Rinse venom in the eyes with clean water (if spat at).
❌ DO NOT
- Cut or suck the wound.
- Apply ice or tourniquets.
- Use herbs or topical concoctions.
- Delay hospital transport in favour of a traditional healer.
Health officials note several avoidable fatalities this year were due to families opting for traditional treatment first, only seeking medical help when it was too late for antivenom to work effectively.
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