Analysis of the venomous snakebite patients treated in the Uzice General Hospital (Western Serbia) between 2006 and 2018

Abstract

Introduction/Objective. A countrywide survey of venomous snakebites was never conducted in Serbia: the making of a central register was initiated only in 2018. We collected and analyzed the available data regarding venomous snakebites in the Uzice region (Western Serbia). The previous analysis from this hospital was published in 1968. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed the data regarding the venomous snakebite patients treated in the Uzice General Hospital between 2006 and 2018 and compared these with the data from the 1960s, from one more hospital in Serbia, and from two ex- Yugoslav countries. Results. In 13 years, 249 persons were treated. Of all cases, 10.4% were with inconspicuous symptoms (mild pain at the place of bite), 68.7% were with mild to moderate symptoms, and 20.9% were more or less severe. No fatalities were recorded. Conclusion. Although usually not a life-threatening issue, venomous snakebites are quite common and can cause serious complications. With proper education, many can be avoided. Also, bearing in mind not only the biodiversity per se but also the importance of snakes? venoms for the making of various medically important products, we emphasize the need for proper protection of all three venomous snake species in Serbia, namely Vipera ammodytes (nose-horned viper), V. berus (European adder), and V. ursinii (meadow viper).

What do mountaineers and their guides in Serbia know about venomous snakes: A pilot questionnaire analysis

“…Contrary to the popular belief, they are rarely fatal (Chippaux, 2012). Medical doctors in Serbia are successful in treating this medical condition (Nikolić et al, 2021).…”

“…July and August (Figure 1, and Vujadinović et al, 2013). A recent study (Nikolić et al, 2021) showed that hikers/tourists usually received bites to the legs, compared to agricultural workers who were the most affected but most often received bites to the hands/arms. This difference probably resulted merely from the difference in the main activity of these two groups, not from the intention to tamper with snakes or the lack of it.…”

“…The "season of venomous snakebites" (in Western Serbia from May to August, with a peak in June or July in Milićević, 1968 andNikolić et al, 2021) coincides with the increase of overnight stays in mountain resorts, i.e. July and August (Figure 1, and Vujadinović et al, 2013).…”

“…Although they are not too frequent, venomous snakebites in Serbia occur every year and can cause complications (Milićević, 1968;Popović et al, 1998;Častven et al, 2000;Nikolić et al, 2021). Contrary to the popular belief, they are rarely fatal (Chippaux, 2012).…”

“…Information regarding venomous snakebites (to people and domestic animals), their prevention, first aid measures and later treatment are available for the neighbouring countries and other parts of the world (Anlén, 2008;Di Nicola et al, 2021; overview for the Balkans in Niko- , 2020). For Serbia, such information was almost completely inexistent until recently (Nikolić et al, 2019(Nikolić et al, , 2021.…”