Toxic Exposure Surveillance System (TESS)-based characterization of U.S. non-native venomous snake exposures, 1995–2004

Abstract

From 1995 through 2004, there were 399 non-native exposures in the TESS database. Of these, 350 snakes (87%) were identified by genus and species, comprising at least 77 different varieties. Roughly equal percentages of snakes originated in Asia, Africa and Latin America, with a smaller number from the Middle-East, Australia, and Europe. Nearly half were viperids and a little more than a third were elapids. The vast majority of exposed individuals were adults. However, almost 15% were aged 17 years or less, and almost 7% were children aged 5 years or younger. Eighty-four percent were males. The vast majority of exposures occurred at the victim's own residence. Over 50% were evaluated at a healthcare facility, with 28.7% admitted to an ICU. Overall, 26% of patients were coded as receiving antivenom treatment. Coded outcomes were similar between viperid and elapid envenomations. There were three deaths, two involving viperid snakes and one elapid. Enhancements to the TESS database are required for better precision in and more complete characterization of non-native snake envenomations.

Non-Native (Exotic) Snake Envenomations in the U.S., 2005–2011

“…We previously systematically described envenomations of non-native snake bites in the U.S. using the national poison center database (then called the Toxic Exposure Surveillance System, TESS, now called the National Poison Data System, NPDS) between 1994 and 2004 [ 13 ]. In that study, there were between 31 and 52 reports of envenomations by non-native snakes annually reported to U.S. poison centers.…”

Guide to Venomous Reptiles in Veterinary Practice

“…During one 10-year period (1995 to 2004), 399 exposures to nonnative venomous snakes were reported in the United States. 11 The vast majority of the exposure victims were adults, with 84% being males, and 76% of the events occurring in the victim's own home. 11 The incidence of bites may be increasing, as the American Association of Poison Control Centers reported 900 bites from 2000 to 2009.…”

“…11 The vast majority of the exposure victims were adults, with 84% being males, and 76% of the events occurring in the victim's own home. 11 The incidence of bites may be increasing, as the American Association of Poison Control Centers reported 900 bites from 2000 to 2009. 12 Approximately 8000 to 10,000 bites from native species occur per year in the US, though most of these occur from noncaptive snakes; victims are routinely young adult males.…”

Evidence for changes in the occurrence, frequency or severity of human health impacts resulting from exposure to alien species in Europe: a systematic map

“…[33]) or snake bites (e.g. [34]). However, the circumstances under which health may be affected when dealing with a captive animal may be very different from the circumstances in which the species may be encountered Responses by society and policy aiming at the mitigation of global change and the management of alien species are currently increasing, but still not implemented in sufficient amount to halt global change and invasions of alien species.…”