Epidemiology and fatal outcomes of snakebite in the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli

Abstract

Background: Snakebite is one of the most neglected public health issues in the tropical and subtropical countries; India, being one of them. It is a medical emergency requiring immediate medical attention issues in poor tribal communities living in the forest area. Objectives: The indigenous factors of any geographical region are unique, and it contributes to the incidence of the snakebite and the outcome. It is necessary to consider the indigenous factors in the preventive and curative policies. The study was conducted to understand the epidemiological, geographical, and demographical aspect of snakebite in the union territory (UT) of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Materials and Methods: Information concerning incident of venomous snakebite on weekly basis from all government health-care providers as presumptive surveillance. Furthermore, the victim’s demographic information, age, sex, addresses, biting site, and the outcome of the snakebite victims were recorded through Integrated Hospital Management System. Result: The crude incidence rate of snakebites was 21.65/10000, and annual age-standardized mortality rates per 100,000 were 1.1. The males were outnumbered on females. The male and female ratio was observed 1.4:1. Conclusion: The fatal outcomes of snakebite can be reduced in high risk area with implementation of a systematic behaviors change communication and mobilization of victims to the hospital, along with prompt administration of anti-snake venom serum (ASVS).