Epidemiology Of Snakebite Research Articles

Epidemiology of snake bite in West Africa: R.D.G. THEAKSTON and H.A. REID Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA

Epidemiology of snake bite in West Africa: R.D.G. THEAKSTON and H.A. REID Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA

An Epidemiological Study of Snake Bite Cases in Children of Nepal

Introduction: Snakebite is common in the Terai region of Nepal. Injury and mortality of humans due to Snake envenomation is a serious pubic health problem in Southeast Asia and Nepal. It has been thought that at least 50,000 people in the region die of snake bites (this includes India, Bangladesh and Nepal and Pakistan) per year. There are abundant venomous snakes present in the region. Studies in Nepal have identified 4 species of snake responsible for the majority of fatal bites. These are the Indian cobra (Naja naja), common krait (Bungaris caeruleus) Russell's viper (Viper ressellii) and greenpit viper. The incidence of snakebite varies from 300-500 bites per 100,000 human populations in forested regions to 50-100 bites per 100,000 in Sahara. Objective: To study the epidemiology of snakebite in the endemic regions of the terai, to analyse the morbidity and mortality data of snakebite cases in children for the year 2008. Method: National Zoonoses and Food Hygiene Research Centre (NZFHRC) started collection of secondary and primary information on snakebite cases in children recorded and reported by different media and hospitals, health post in Nepal during the year 2008. The data had been compiled, tabulated and analysed. This is the regular surveillance study carried out on snakes in general and venomous snakebite human cases recorded in Nepal. The team visited in 6 mid, hill districts and 24 terai districts of Nepal. Results: Total snakebite cases in children were 540 during the year 2008. Of which 10 cases were from six mid hill districts and 530 were from 24 terai and inner terai districts of Nepal. Total morbidity was 406 (75.19%) and mortality 134 (24.81%). Seasonal incidence of snakebite cases recorded in Bheri zonal hospital and medical college Banke district. Highest morbidity were recorded during the month of Jestha (May) to Aswin (August). Morbidity 12 (25%) and mortality 3 (20%) were recorded in the month of May/June 2008. Conclusions: Snakebite cases in children and deaths were recorded and reported along with adult cases of snakebite. Total adult cases were 2190 of which children were 540 (24.66%) during the year 2008. This means that about 25% of all cases of snakebites were seen in children every year in the endemic areas of snakes. Mass awareness school education programme about snakebite especially in endemic area of terai and inner districts should be advocated regularly so that parents along with children will take necessary precautions. Key words: Snakebite; Epidemiological surveillance; Anti-snake venom; Poisonous and envenomation.DOI: 10.3126/jnps.v30i3.3915J Nep Paedtr Soc 2010;30(3):135-140

Outcomes of Snakebite Envenomation in Children

Introduction: Snakebite is a medical emergency, and is considered to be one of the major public health hazards in the Terai and inner-Terai regions of Nepal. Very few studies have been conducted so far in Nepal to highlight the epidemiology of snakebite in children. Aim: To review the pattern and characteristics of snakebites in children, focusing primarily on the outcomes, fatality and risk factors for death. Settings: An emergency department of a 136-bedded secondary care-referral hospital (Lumbini Zonal Hospital) situated at Butwal in the Western Nepal. Methodology: The study was carried out in 152 children aged < 15 years old, who got anti-snake venom (ASV) over a period of 48 months. Diagnosis of snakebite envenomation was based on clinical ground. Results: Children over 5 years of age constituted the highest number (87%) of cases. Peak incidence of poisoning (71%) was observed during the months of Asadh- Bhadra (June-September). Most of the bites (61%) were by unidentified snakes, most commonly (91%) on the extremities. Snakebite envenomation occurred more frequently (52%) during night time. 85% of children had local or systemic complications, commonest being respiratory paralysis(92/152).Case fatality rate (CFR) was 28%. Risk factors for death were: age < 5 years; bites by unidentified snakes and kraits and bites on ears & unknown sites. Conclusion: Compared with adults, children with snake envenomation have higher morbidity and mortality, which can be minimized by early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and close monitoring of children on ventilation for the timely management of complications. Emphasis should be given on developing a standard management protocol in children. Keywords: Snakebite; Envenomation; Children; Outcomes; Nepal DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v31i3.5358 J Nep Paedtr Soc 2011;31(3):192-197

Epidemiology of snake bite in north Malaya.

Epidemiology of snake bite in north Malaya.