At least 38 people have died from snake bites in Zimbabwe since January this year, while more than 5,000 others have survived the bites, an official said Tuesday.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Gerald Gwinji said cases of snake bites had risen following the growth of foliage due to heavy rains received in the country this year.

"Since the beginning of the year, 5,605 cases of snake bites and 38 deaths have been reported throughout the country," Gwinji was quoted as saying by state-run news agency New Ziana.

Some of the deaths could have been avoided had victims not feared to use the anti-serum administered to people bitten by snakes, Gwinji said.

He said some of the victims were treated by traditional healers using traditional anti-venom herbs.

Gwinji urged rural communities to rid their homes of grass and weeds where snakes are likely to reside.

Source: Xinhua