Medically relevant snakebite envenomation in Brazil (2009–2023): an epidemiological profile and temporal trend analysis

Snakebites are a public health issue in Brazil, particularly in rural areas. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological profile and temporal trends of medically relevant snakebites in Brazil from 2009 to 2023. This is an ecological time-series study of snakebites in Brazil, 2009–2023. All reported accidents regarding the genera Bothrops, Crotalus, Lachesis, and Micrurus were included. Descriptive analyses considered sociodemographic (sex, age, education), clinical (severity, antivenom administration, evolution), and regional variables. The Joinpoint Regression Program was used for temporal trend analysis and a significance level of 5% was adopted. During the period, 368,551 cases were reported in Brazil (incidence rate of 12.1/100,000 inhabitants per year). Most cases occurred among men and economically active adults with low levels of education. The genus Bothrops accounted for 86.4% of the accidents. The national trend of snakebites was stationary (AAPC = − 0.6%; p = 0.545). Significant regional disparities were observed. States such as Amapá (AAPC = + 3.5%; p < 0.05) and Rondônia (AAPC = + 2.9%; p < 0.05) experienced a growing incidence. The South and Midwest regions showed a decrease, particularly in the states of Santa Catarina (AAPC = − 4.2%; p < 0.05) and Mato Grosso do Sul (AAPC = − 3.7%; p < 0.05). Accidents involving Micrurus showed an upward trend in the North and Southeast, whereas accidents involving Lachesis decreased, especially in the North region (AAPC = − 5.1%; p < 0.01). From 2009 to 2023, snakebite accidents in Brazil were more likely to affect exposed individuals, mostly involving Bothrops snakes. Brazil exhibited a stationary trend in incident rates over the study period, suggesting that the burden of disease has neither increased nor decreased. Targeted interventions, including health education and enhanced surveillance, are warranted to address this persistent trend and mitigate future cases.