Authors : Rahul Hotwani, Singla Bhavika, Akshaya N Shetti
DOI : 10.18231/j.ijpca.2019.002
Volume : 6
Issue : 1
Year : 2019
Page No : 6-9
Introduction: In India agriculture is the primary occupation of the people. With most of the population working in the fields, snakebite becomes a chief occupational hazard and a medical emergency. In India, more than 20,00,000 snake bites reported annually, of which 35,000-50,000 people die and Maharashtra alone contributes more than 2000 deaths each year. Thus this study is aimed to know the clinic-epidemiological pattern of snake bite in rural Maharashtra.
Aims and Objectives: To study clinical and epidemiological characteristics found in patients presenting with snakebite in rural tertiary care unit.
Design: Descriptive Cross Sectional study.
Material and Methods: The study was conducted between 25/05/2017 to 10/09/2017 after obtaining institutional ethical clearance. A total of 70 patients were participated in study. Set questions were asked to the patient to know the clinic-epidemiological characteristics of snake bite.
Statistical analysis: The data was analyzed and expressed in terms of percentage.
Results: Patients with various age groups got admitted during the study period. Maximum number of (38) patients are in 21 to 40 yrs. Majority of patients were females were 36(51.4 %). Majority of patients (31) were farmer. Most of the patients were working in the farm 47(67.1%) while they had bite. Maximum bites are seen in patients right lower limb 22(31.2%). The most common vehicle used was two-wheeler 38(54.2%). Out of 70 patients admitted in hospital, 36(51.4) patients suffered with vasculotoxicity. 14(20%) patients brought snakes after killing to the hospital for identification. 22(31.4%) patients out of 70 took primary treatment in primary health care center. Out of 27 patients 5 patients required ventilator support who suffered with neurotoxic type of snake bite. We observed no mortality among 70 patients admitted with snake bite.
Conclusion: Regular public health programs educating about prevention, pre–hospital management, early and safe transfer of the victim to the hospital should be done.
Keywords: Anti-Snake venom, Envenomation, Epidemiology, Snake-bite.