Data Descriptor of Snakebites in Brazil from 2007 to 2020

Abstract

Snakebite envenomations (SBE) are a significant global public health threat due to their morbidity and mortality. This is a neglected public health issue in many tropical and subtropical countries. Brazil is in the top ten countries affected by SBE, with 32,160 cases reported only in 2020, posing a high burden for this population. In this paper, we describe the data structure of snakebite records from 2007 to 2020 in the Notifiable Disease Information System (SINAN), made available by the Brazilian Ministry of Health (MoH). In addition, we also provide R scripts that allow a quick and automatic updating of data from the SINAN according to its availability. The data presented in this work are related to clinical and demographic information on SBE cases. Also, data on outcomes, laboratory results, and treatment are available. The dataset is available and freely accessible; however, preprocessing, adjustments, and standardization are necessary due to incompleteness and inconsistencies. Regardless of these limitations, it provides a solid basis for assessing different aspects and the national burden of envenoming.