Viperidae snakebites in Ecuador: A review of epidemiological and ecological aspects

Abstract

Snakebite envenoming is a neglected disease of public health concern. Most snakebite accidents occur in developing countries. In Ecuador, 17 viper species are responsible for 99% of official accidents, and ten species are in critical conservation states. This report analyzes the snakebite incident cases and mortality rates in Ecuador between 2014 and 2019. The data obtained from the national surveillance system suggests that the incidence and mortality rates remained constant. The geographic region with the highest incidence rates is the Amazonian region. National policies are urgently needed to prevent snakebite accidents and to protect snakes in danger of extinction.

Action of Varespladib (LY-315920), a Phospholipase A2 Inhibitor, on the Enzymatic, Coagulant and Haemorrhagic Activities of Lachesis muta rhombeata (South-American Bushmaster) Venom

“…Envenomations by Viperidae snakes comprise a serious public health problem in Latin America ( Chippaux, 2017 ; Ochoa-Avilés et al, 2020 ; Gutiérrez et al, 2020b ). In Brazil, these snakes are represented by three main genera, i.e., Bothrops , Crotalus and Lachesis (Viperidae–Crotalinae), being responsible for more than 20,000 cases of snakebites per year in this country, as reported by Notifiable Diseases Information System of the Brazilian Ministry of Health (SINAN, Brasília, DF, Brazil).…”

Epidemiología y características clínicas de las mordeduras de serpientes venenosas en el norte de la Amazonía del Ecuador (2017-2021)

“…Las 29,4 hospitalizaciones anuales durante los últimos cinco años en el Hospital General "Marco Vinicio Iza", demuestran que las mordeduras de serpientes en esta región del norte amazónico del Ecuador son endémicas y constituyen un problema de salud pública. Pocos y desactualizados son los estudios en la Amazonía ecuatoriana (7)(8)(9)(10)15,22,23).…”

“…Según los datos oficiales obtenidos del Instituto Nacional de Censos y Estadísticas Vitales (INEC), entre los años 2014 y 2019, la tasa de mortalidad fue de 0,07 (rango: 0,03-0,10) por 100.000 habitantes (9)(10)(11). La región con la tasa más alta de incidencia es la Amazonía, con 55-78 casos por 100.000 habitantes (4,9). El SIVE-ALERTA-MSP, durante el periodo 2016-2020, registró 7.569 casos con un promedio anual de 1.514 casos.…”

Managing snakebite

“… 16 21 Bites are more common during wetter months, when agricultural activities and breeding season for snakes potentially converge. 15 17 20 22 23 …”