Snakebite accidents in Rio Grande do Norte state, Brazil: Epidemiology, health management and influence of the environmental scenario

Abstract

ObjectivesBrazil is home to large variety 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 analyse the epidemiology of snakebites as a public health concern in Rio Grande do Norte state.MethodsA retrospective epidemiologic analysis was performed using data from the Brazilian Case Registry Database pertaining to the period 2007–2016, and considering environmental climate characteristics as an influential factor.ResultsA number of 3909 cases were reported in total. Among those cases, 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.ConclusionThis 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 optimise patient care and avoid under reporting in the accident reporting system.

Ethnoherpetology and snakebites in a risk area in Northeast Brazil

“…Although snake accidents occurred in all periods of the day, they mainly stood out in the morning, which coincides with the period when the population is most active in exercising their agricultural work activities, and also the activity period of most snakes of the Caatinga. The Caatinga lancehead "jararaca" (Bothrops erythromelas), which was most involved in snake accidents [15], presents greater activity during the night, however it can easily be found at rest sheltered on substrates, decomposing tree trunks, debris, and dense vegetation, among others [36]. In addition, the lancehead has wide geographic distribution, being observed in several areas in both open formations and those with greater plant density, and even in anthropized areas [37,38].…”

“…This study was carried out in the municipality of Santa Cruz, the most populous city in the Borborema Potiguar microregion and one of the most affected by snakebites in the state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN), with maximum accident rates and an incidence of 450 cases/100,000 inhabitants in this microregion, according to a study carried out by the same authors of this work [15] (Fig. 1).…”

“…There is an average of 28,000 snakebites per year in Brazil, with 25% of them occurring in the Northeast region of the country. According to the epidemiological study conducted by Da Costa et al [15], 3,909 cases of snakebites occurred between 2007 and 2016 in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, mainly involving snakes of the Bothrops erythromelas species (Caatinga lancehead -jararaca).…”

“…For example, in the distribution of inputs for providing care of victims, adequate availability of specific anti-venom serums, and in the direction of accident prevention activities. In addition, it is necessary to understand the interactions and perception of victims of snake accidents with snakes, highlighting the context in which accidents occur [15,16,17]. In this context, ethnoherpetological studies are important because they can contribute with relevant information to support creating accident prevention tools and to develop snake conservation strategies.…”

Oral cavity bleeding following snakebite: A case report

“…Snakebites are related to lifestyle and climate factors, because snakes are ectothermic reptiles. The most common sites of venom inoculation are the lower limbs, especially feet or legs (Albuquerque et al,2013;Bucaretchi et al, 2001;Costa et al, 2019).…”