RT Book, Section
A1 Zafren, Ken
A1 Thurman, R. Jason
A1 Jones, Ian D.
A2 Knoop, Kevin J.
A2 Stack, Lawrence B.
A2 Storrow, Alan B.
A2 Thurman, R. Jason
SR Print(0)
ID 1181050932
T1 Tropical Snake Envenomations
T2 The Atlas of Emergency Medicine, 5e
YR 2021
FD 2021
PB McGraw-Hill
PP New York, NY
SN 9781260134940
LK accessemergencymedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1181050932
RD 2024/04/20
AB The  epidemiology  of  snakebites  in  tropical  regions  differs  considerably  from  that  seen  in  more  temperate  climates.  In  general,  the  absolute  number  of  venomous  snakes  is  higher  in  the  tropics,  and  snakes  are  often  located  in  areas  of  high  population  density.  The  prevalence  of  bites  is  also  higher  due  to  differences  in  agricultural  and  hunting  practices,  frequent  flooding,  lack  of  adequate  footwear  in  many  locations,  and  housing  that  allows  access  of  snakes  into  living  areas.  The  annual  mortality  of  snakebite  in  India  may  exceed  20,000.  Snakebite  is  said  to  be  the  5th  most  common  cause  of  death  in  Myanmar.  In  some  indigenous  populations  in  South  America,  up  to  20%  of  adult  deaths  are  from  snakebite.  Places  where  snakebites  are  common  are  often  in  remote  locations  where  medical  care  may  not  be  immediately  available.  Signs  and  symptoms  depend  on  the  type  of  envenomation  and  the  amount  of  toxin  injected.  Local  pain,  swelling,  and  blistering  are  seen  with  many  snakebites.  Clotting  disturbances,  frank  hemorrhage,  and  shock  are  seen  with  many  viper  bites,  while  neurotoxicity  can  be  seen  with  elapid  and  sea  snake  bites.