Snake bite envenomation in Riyadh province of Saudi Arabia over the period (2005–2010)

Abstract

The present investigation is a retrospective review of snake bites in Riyadh province over the period (2005-2010). A total of 1019 cases of bites admitted to the Ministry of Health medical centers in Riyadh province were analyzed on the basis of age, sex, time of bite and its site on the body, outcome of treatment, antiserum dose and type of snake. Bites occurred throughout the six years with the highest frequency in 2005 and least in 2006 where most of the bite cases were mild and all evolved to cure except four patients who died following the administration of antivenom during 24 h after snake bite. Most of the patients were males (81.7%) and the most attacked age was within the range of 11-30 years (51.5%). All the bites were mainly in the exposed limbs and the most frequently bitten anatomical regions were the lower limbs (427 cases, 41.9%), principally the feet. The study incriminates Cerastes cerastes gasperettii in most of the bites indicating it as the snake of medical importance in Riyadh province. Also, the study indicates low degree of threat in spite of high rate of snake bites as a result of the availability of the medical facilities and the antivenin use in medical centers in Riyadh province.

The burden of bites and stings management: Experience of an academic hospital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

“…This mainly because those patients arrived in a reasonable time frame and receive the appropriate medical intervention and supportive care, in addition to the availability of poly antivenom targeting the local venomous snakes. This is in agreement with several studies that demonstrate the low mortality rate (0.3%) from snake bites in Saudi Arabia ( Al-Sadoon, 2015 , Al Durihim et al, 2010 ). Due to the nature of this study, we don't have detailed information about the snake species involved with each case, so it is hard to conclude the actual cause of death.…”

“…There were more than 50 species of snake in Saudi Arabia; about 20% of them are venomous ( Al-Sadoon, 2015 ). In this study majority of cases were recovered and cured with only one patient died as a complication of snakebites.…”

“…Snakes were reported in Riyadh area, mainly Walterinnesia aegyptia, Atractaspis microlepidota, Cerastes gasperettii , and Echis coloratus ( Gasperetti, 1988 , Al-Sadoon et al, 2017 ). Poisonous snakes in Saudi Arabia are Cerastes creates gasperettii, Vipera berus, Echis pyramidum, and Walterinnesia aegyptia ( Al-Sadoon, 2015 ). Additionally, Scorpion stings is a challenging public health problem in Saudi Arabia, with thousands stung by scorpions with an average of 4 cases per 1000 inhabitants annually ( Al-Asmari and Al-Saif, 2004 , Jahan et al, 2007 , Jarrar and Al-Rowaily, 2008 , Al-Sadoon and Jarrar, 2003 ).…”

Health risk assessment at mass gatherings: a report of the camel festival in Saudi Arabia

“…Furthermore, certain types of snakes and scorpions are typically found in desert areas and these may constitute public health threats during the festival (22). A study showed that most cases of snake bites in Riyadh occur in the lower limbs and are caused by cerastes gasperettii (23). In a five-year period (2005-2010), there were 1019 cases of snake bites, including one fatality in Riyadh (23).…”

“…A study showed that most cases of snake bites in Riyadh occur in the lower limbs and are caused by cerastes gasperettii (23). In a five-year period (2005-2010), there were 1019 cases of snake bites, including one fatality in Riyadh (23). With reported lowest incidence of snake bites in March/April and the low case-fatality rate, assessors therefore estimated a low risk of snake bite-related threats during the festival.…”