Death is not the only factor.

Behind the mortality statistics lies a vast, hidden crisis. For every death, 3 to 4 survivors are left with permanent physical, neurological, or psychological disabilities.

Pedagogical Context: Snakebite envenoming is a neglected tropical disease caused by toxins injected into the body. While the “tip” of the problem is mortality (death), the “mass” of the problem is chronic morbidity (long-term illness).

The Iceberg Metric

Measured Mortality

138k

Estimated annual deaths globally. This represents the visible human cost often highlighted in policy.

Hidden Disability

400k+

Estimated annual survivors with life-long disabilities, including amputations and chronic organ damage.

Economic Scaffolding: This tab compares the Treatment Cost against Survival Income. For high-income nations, cost is high but manageable. For low-income nations, it represents total asset liquidation.

Global Economic Comparison

Region	Typical Stay (USD)	Median Annual Income	Impact Rating
USA	$150,000+	$75,000	High Debt
Europe (EU)	$15,000	$42,000	Low Personal Impact
Asia (Rural)	$500	$2,100	Catastrophic
Africa (Rural)	$450	$1,500	Systemic Collapse

The Cumulative Poverty Trap

Beyond the medical bill, the survivor faces lost labor and debt interest. The total financial shock is often 5x to 10x the initial medical bill, which could lead to psychosocial outcast and homelessness.

Research in Toxicology – ResinTox

Snakebite’s Hidden Burden

Death is not the only factor.

The Iceberg Metric

Measured Mortality

Hidden Disability

1. Head: Sensory & Endocrine

2. Cardiovascular Integrity

3. Abdominal: Kidney & Pancreas

4. Hematological Failure

5. Limbs: Tissue & Bone

Unseen Psychological Scars

Global Economic Comparison

The Cumulative Poverty Trap

Molecular Diversion & Precision

RAPID Intervention

Denmark & Alpaca Peptides

Varespladib Clinical Trials

Citizen Science & Collaboration