OBJECTIVES: Brazil is home to large veriety of snake species, of which about 17% are venomous. A large proportion of reported snakebite accidents in the country take place in northeast Brazil. We aimed to analyze the epidemiology of snakebites as a public health concern in Rio Grande do Norte state.
METHODS: A retrospective epidemiologic analysis was performed using data from the Brazilian Case Registry Database pertaining to the period 2007 to 2016, and considering environmental climate characteristics as an influential factor.
RESULTS: 3,909 cases were reported in total. 58% involved venomous species and more than 80% of these were caused by Bothrops species. An association between environmental characteristics and the incidence of reported cases was found. The Borborema Potiguar region was the most affected area. Apart from that, deficiencies in managing the victims were described.
CONCLUSION: This study highlights snakebite accidents as a public health concern in Rio Grande do Norte state. Snake bites are most likely being influenced by climate change and human activities. Continuous training of involved medical personnel could help optimize patient care and avoid under reporting in the accident reporting system. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.