The epidemiology of snakebite accidents in the cities of southeast Goiás from 2007 TO 2011

Abstract

Knowing the epidemiology of snakebite poisoning is essential for planning prevention and treatment strategies for such accidents. However, epidemiological data concerning snakebite accidents remain limited, especially in certain regions of Brazil. Thus, this study aimed to understand the epidemiology of snakebites in four cities of Southeast Goiás from 2007 to 2011. In total, 182 snakebites were reported during this time period, resulting in an incident rate ranging between 32 and 74/100,000 inhabitants and a mortality rate of 1.64%. The accidents were most common in men and occurred primarily in the countryside. The genera Bothrops and Crotalus (in this order) were responsible for the most bites, and the lower limbs were the most commonly affected bodily regions. The incidence and mortality rates of snakebites in these cities were high compared with regional and national statistics. Public health agencies require the data obtained in this study to subsidize a strategic plan aimed at preventing these accidents and providing appropriate treatments.