Retrospective study on epidemiology of snakebites in Sarpang District, southern Bhutan

Abstract

Although snake bite envenomation is considered as a medical emergency with significant morbidity and mortality, accurate figures on snakebite envenomation remains scarce. We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the snakebite epidemiology in Sarpang District located in the subtropical zone of southern Bhutan. In this study, 78 snakebite cases treated in Gelephu Referral Hospital over a period of three years from 2013 to 2015 were evaluated based on the statistical record maintained by the medical administration. Twenty-eight (35.89%) cases developed signs and symptoms of envenomation and the remaining 50 (64.01%) were found to be cases of non-venomous bites. Forty-four males and 34 females were found to be affected by snakebites within the period. While snakebites were observed in all age groups, the large majority (n=51, 65.38%) were in adults aged between 21 and 50 years. Most of the venomous bites (68%) occurred during the monsoon season, particularly between May and August. It was found that adults in the economically productive age group were the ones most affected by poisonous bites. There is an urgent need for development and adoption of snakebite management guidelines and awareness among the vulnerable sections of the population, improvement of medical facilities in referral hospitals and rural health centres, and reduction of the morbidity and mortality associated with snakebites.

Knowledge of health workers on snakes and snakebite management and treatment seeking behavior of snakebite victims in Bhutan

“…World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines [2] define snakebite as an environmental and occupational disease. Retrospective studies [3,4] from Bhutan supports the statement. Maintenance of the health of farmers and their families often termed "rural health" has assumed increasing importance in most South Asian countries.…”

“…Genera Boiga , Chrysopelea and Rhabdophis in Colubridae family have potential to cause health complications following their bites [ 11 ]. Published source reported that Bhutan use Indian polyspecific antivenom for management of snakebites [ 4 ].…”

“…A retrospective study from the Central Regional Referral Hospital in Gelephu, Sarpang gives insight about demographic features of snakebite victims from 2013–2016 [ 4 ]. Based on the medical registers, the annual health bulletin from Bhutan [ 3 ] summarizes annual snakebites in between 2013 to 2018.…”

Is anti‐snake venom required for all snakebites: A case report

“…9 However, the majority of snakebites in Bhutan are nonvenomous. 10 The venomous snakes include cobra, krait, and viper species. 11 Of the hemotoxic snakebites, viper bite is the most common.…”

“…At least 84 types of snakes have been identified in Bhutan . However, the majority of snakebites in Bhutan are nonvenomous . The venomous snakes include cobra, krait, and viper species .…”