Snakebites in Three Districts of Rural Areas of Western India during Winter

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Snakebite is more of a seasonal problem in the state of Rajasthan, as is so in India. The peak incidence of snakebite occurs in the monsoons, with high frequency also reported during the harvest season. The estimated incidence of snakebite in India is 2–3 million, annually leading to 58,000 deaths. Rajasthan is the largest state by area in India and is one of the states that report a high incidence of death due to venomous snakebite in the One-million Death Study. Since snakebite is largely seen as a seasonal problem mainly concentrated in the rainy and summer seasons, the aim of the study was to assess the incidence and mortality of snakebites in winter. Materials and Methods: A telephonic survey of the snakebites in the rural areas of three selected districts of Rajasthan, Western India, chosen based on climatic and geographic conditions. Calls were made to medical officers/in-charge of different primary care centers (PHC)/community health centers (CHC) to report snakebites in the winter season. Medical officers in PHCs/CHCs were asked to report the number of cases reported, deaths, anti-snake venom (ASV) administration, and serious adverse reactions related to ASV administration. The medical officers were further asked if they were confident while administering ASV or not. Results: A total of two deaths were reported out of 39 snakebites (5.1%). ASV was administered to the majority of them (94.8%) with two of them showing adverse reactions to ASV (5.1%). Majority of the bites were reported from primary health centers. Conclusions: The present study suggests that snakebite is not a seasonal problem with significant cases occurring even during the winter months. The study highlights the need for creating awareness and taking adequate precautions among vulnerable population, even in the winter season. In addition, sentinel surveillance for snakebites could be strengthened at the district level.