Prevention of krait bites by sleeping above ground: preliminary results from an observational pilot study

Abstract

IntroductionNeurotoxic envenoming following the bites of kraits (Bungarus spp.) is a common cause of death in the dry zone of Sri Lanka and elsewhere in South Asia. Most of these bites occur at night and are inflicted on people sleeping on the ground. Thus we hypothesized that the simple measure of sleeping above ground would help to reduce the number of observed krait bites.MethodsThis study was conducted in two villages of the Kilinochchi district of Sri Lanka which had reported a high number of krait bites in the two years preceding the study. Most of the residents in these two villages slept on the ground. Residents in one area were given beds free of charge, using funds available from the study. Both villages received health education on the prevention of krait bites.ResultsForty five beds were distributed to 45 families in one village. This enabled 115 individuals to sleep above ground level. 6 monthly follow up visits were conducted ensuring the proper utilization of beds. Follow up was continued for 30 months (September 2013–March 2016); during this time period no krait bites were reported in either area.ConclusionsWe observed a dramatic decline of krait bites in both villages. Better awareness with effective health education and clearing of vegetation could have led to the decline in the number of krait bites in both villages.

The timing is right to end snakebite deaths in South Asia

“…Sleeping under a mosquito net and on a bed above ground level have been protective against krait and cobra bites, in both anecdotal reports and community based observational studies in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. 67 68 69 Protective footwear was distributed among paddy farmers in Myanmar 20 years ago, but its impact in reducing snakebite is unclear. 70…”

Perceptions, awareness on snakebite envenoming among the tribal community and health care providers of Dahanu block, Palghar District in Maharashtra, India

“…Although the majority of the tribal community is following unproven household methods (sprinkling of DDT, Thimet powder) for the prevention of snakebites, there was some awareness on the use of a torch, wooden sticks, and mosquito net. Wearing long rubber shoes with enclosed toes, use a mosquito net on a bamboo cot or bed above the ground level could offer protection from krait and cobra bites [ 10 , 25 , 26 ]. However, there are challenges in the implementation of preventive measures, both amongst the illiterate and highly educated class indicating the need for education and awareness right from the school level to the university [ 27 ].…”

Mortality due to snakebite and other venomous animals in the Indian state of Bihar: Findings from a representative mortality study

“…[ 43 , 44 ] Sleeping on a bed off the floor in addition to awareness with effective health education and clearing of vegetation have been reported effective in preventing Krait bites. [ 45 ] Interestingly, sleeping under a mosquito net, rather than off the floor on a bed, has previously been reported to be protective of snakebite in Nepal. [ 46 ] These are simple preventive measures which could be considered in the Indian setting as well to prevent snakebites.…”