Overview of Snakebite Cases in a Hospital Situated in the Rural Area of Navsari District of Gujarat, India

Abstract

Background: Snakebite envenoming is a greatly underreported neglected tropical disease (NTD) responsible for up to 138,000 deaths and 400,000 permanently disabled victims worldwide every year. More than a third of the global deaths, about 46,000 annually, are estimated to occur in India with not much known about other aspects of burden or risk factors in the country. Objective: To gather evidence on the burden and epidemiological aspects for snakebite in rural pocket of Navsari district of South Gujarat, India. Materials & Methods: a structured data collection tool was developed & patients hospitalized due to snakebite from year 2009 to 2020 were studied. Results: Total 1108 lab confirmed patients of snakebite were admitted to the Hospital for the mentioned period out of which 239 (21.6%) patients had bite of poisonous snakes. Majority i.e. 55.7% of the snake bite cases were seen amongst men. Most of the cases were reported during the monsoon season. Local pain at the site of bite was reported by 100% of cases admitted. 24 (2.2 %) cases had developed complications. Cellulitis and Respiratory distress were major complications that were found. Conclusion: Less bite to hospitalization time, awareness about snake bite and its consequences amongst community, availability and appropriate use of Anti Snake Venom, close monitoring of patients, availability of ventilator support are key measures that needs to be in practice in any institution. Keywords: Snake Bite, Anti Snake Venom, Monsoon season, South Gujarat