Snakebite Prevention Research Articles

Awareness and perceptions on prevention, first aid and treatment of snakebites among Sri Lankan farmers: a knowledge practice mismatch?

BackgroundSnakebite is a global health problem associated with high morbidity and mortality. In Sri Lanka, snakebite is mainly an occupational health hazard associated with farming. Understanding awareness and perceptions in risk populations on the preventive measures, first aid and treatment for snakebite becomes pivotal in designing snakebite prevention and control programs. Using an investigator assisted self completed questionnaire, we assessed the awareness and perceptions of 176 part-time and full-time, Chena and paddy farmers from three dry zone districts of Sri Lanka where agriculture is the main economic activity.FindingsHigh percentages of the participants were aware of practices that minimize snakebites in houses and outside, available treatments and most of the recommended first aid measures. Western medical treatment was preferred by the vast majority of the farmers over the traditional treatment.ConclusionSome of the protective measures that the farmers were aware of are not practiced generally in Sri Lanka, suggesting a knowledge-practice mismatch. We suggest studies to understand the effects of socioeconomic and cultural determinants on snakebite prevention in Sri Lanka.

The need for full integration of snakebite envenoming within a global strategy to combat the neglected tropical diseases: the way forward.

The need for full integration of snakebite envenoming within a global strategy to combat the neglected tropical diseases: the way forward.

Snakebite Prevention and Management Action Plan for Petrol Filling Stations

Snakebite Prevention and Management Action Plan for Petrol Filling Stations

Fatal snake bites – sociodemography, latency pattern of injuries

BackgroundIndia is a thickly populated country; apart from having biodiversity among people, climate does change from place to place. Western Ghats of South India harbors variety of plantations and diverse creatures. Agriculture is the primary occupation of the people and some tribes living in these regions. Here majority are callous/ ignorant in employing neither advanced farming techniques nor safety precautions, hence are exposed to bites and stings by animals. Of these, snake bites cause significant mortality and morbidity. Proper care for some of these individuals is out of reach. Identification of offending snake, snake bite injury or findings of envenomation is a key not only for the administration of antisnake venom but also for the victim to realize that he needs an expert care. Unless he believes it to be a critical snake bite and not a thorn prick, scorpion sting or a spider bite he will not approach a health care provider. To know about these dangerous signs that may help the victim to realize it as a case of snake bite, current study is employed on fatal cases in this region.Methods60 fatal snakebite cases were studied retrospectively for 5 years with an objective to know the socio-demography, latency and pattern of injuries in rural Southern India.ResultsMost of the victims were males, in the age group of 31-50 years and were at risk of snake bites while farming. Large sample of subjects approached traditional therapists and were deprived of essential care in the critical first few hours after snake bite. Fang marks (90%), local ecchymoses (50%) and internal hemorrhage (28.3%), were the frequent demonstrable signs appreciated at autopsy.ConclusionSnakebite is a neglected, endemic, occupational (farming) disease of the poor and there is need for National Snakebite Prevention Programme for curtailing this menace.

Implementation of Information Technology in Snakebite Management: A Case Study of Rural Maharashtra (India)

Information Technology plays a vital role in the snakebite management. The IT enabled GPS systems helps to the society in emergency of snakebite by transferring data. The paper focus on the present situation of Snake bites patient’s status in the selected sensitive area in the rural Maharashtra. Study shows that, the worst picture of lack of communication system for assistance to the affected patients and their further treatment by the hospitals. The article suggests the Global Positioning System (GPS) Enabled computing model and the usage of Wireless Technology. The literature study shows that, such model may be the useful in snake bite affected areas. Implementation of IT in snakebite management based on the wireless technology is the need for making awareness by sharing the information about the prevention of snake bites and the treatments as first Aid to the community and the data about the victim can be made available and communicated to the further centers such as hospitals. This is an attempt to get faster and accurate information & treatment to the snakebite victim.

PA01.03. Rural health and snakebite

Purpose: To collect, discuss and elaborate the problem of snakebite in rural India. To give first aid measures and prevention of snakebite in rural health centre. Method: This review article is based on my personal experience and textual review collected the material about first aid measures and prevention of snakebite from brihatri, lagutri and original commentary of those. I also reviewed various modern text and websites for currant update of relevant topic. About 25,000 to 40,000 people reportedly die of snakebite in India every year, but range is likely an under estimate because of incomplete reporting. Severe flooding, by concentration of human and snake population has given rise to epidemic of snakebite in India. Mostly in rural India; snake bite is common medical emergency and an occupational hazard where farming is a major source of employment. There are at least 3000 species of snake, but only 400 species are poisonous, which means most of them is non poisonous. So most of people died due to anxiety and fear. Since rural people have to rush to nearby town and cities to get medical support, precious time is lost in traveling and in organizing support. Result: Recommended first aid measure in Snake Bite, Reassure the victim, Immobilization, Avoid manipulation of bitten area, Tourniquet. Preventions - There is various methods of preventions of snake bite which are described in full text. Conclusion: Snakebite is one of major cause of death in India. First aid measure and preventions of snake bite are essential for rural and tribal peoples due to prolonged distance of hospital from their native. Ayurveda has mentioned various first aid measure and prevention of snake bite.

Snakebite: Epidemiology, Prevention, Clinical Presentation and Management

Snakebite: Epidemiology, Prevention, Clinical Presentation and Management

Prevention and Emergency Field Management of Venomous Snakebites during Military Exercises

Summer exercises in the continental United States bring many military personnel in contact with our four types of indigenous venomous snakes. Personnel with a knowledge of these snakes, their habits, and habitat, and who exercise common sense are much less likely to fall victim to a venomous bite. When a bite does occur, timely and appropriate first aid can help to reduce the sequelae of an envenomation. Military medical personnel should be prepared to discuss snakebite prevention and field management with all personnel taking to the field this summer.

Snakebites. Guidelines for practical management.

Snakebite treatment remains a controversial subject, even among experts. Nevertheless, all physicians need to be aware of current concepts in snakebite management, because incorrect treatment could be detrimental or even fatal. This article discusses the mechanisms of envenomation and presents guidelines for snakebite prevention, emergency field therapy, and emergency department therapy.