Trends in Fatal Snakebites in Venezuela, 1995–2002

Objective.—There have been few studies evaluating snakebite mortality in Venezuela and South America. In this study we evaluate trends in fatal snakebites occurring in Venezuela between 1995 and 2002. Methods.—Epidemiological data for this study were retrieved from the records of the Ministry of Hea...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Wilderness & environmental medicine 2007, Vol.18 (3), p.209-213
Main Authors: Benítez, Jesús A, Rifakis, Pedro M, Vargas, Jair A, Cabaniel, Gilberto, Rodríguez-Morales, Alfonso J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Age Factors
Aged
Animals
BRIEF REPORT
Child
Child, Preschool
Emergency
envenomations
Female
Humans
Infant
Male
Medical Records
Middle Aged
mortality
Retrospective Studies
Sex Factors
Snake Bites - epidemiology
Snake Bites - etiology
Snake Bites - mortality
Snake Bites - prevention & control
snake venoms
snakebites
Snakes
Venezuela
Venezuela - epidemiology
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Summary:Objective.—There have been few studies evaluating snakebite mortality in Venezuela and South America. In this study we evaluate trends in fatal snakebites occurring in Venezuela between 1995 and 2002. Methods.—Epidemiological data for this study were retrieved from the records of the Ministry of Health of Venezuela. Using these data, we analyzed the impact of snakebites in Venezuela during the study period. Results.—During the study period, there were 266 reports of death due to snakebite; 79.7% were males, and 20.3% were females (P < .01). Annual mean deaths numbered 33 per year. Of total deaths, 24.1% occurred in victims 55–70 years old. Deaths in young children (
ISSN:1080-6032
1545-1534
DOI:10.1580/06-WEME-BR-076R.1