Survey on sea snakebite and related morbidity and mortality among Bangladeshi fishermen in the Bay of Bengal: A pilot study

• Published in: Toxicon (Oxford) 2023-10, Vol.234, p.107273-107273, Article 107273
• Main Authors: Ghose, Aniruddha, Alam, Muhammed Syedul, Abu Sayeed, Abdullah, Shah Jahan, Mohammed, Akter, Fateha, Md Erfan Uddin, Rabiul Alam, Sarkar, Shoman, Zahed, A.S.M., Das, Kajal Kanti, Rahman, Md Habibur, Rashid, Rumana, Nasrin, Hasina, Dutta, Asok Kumar, Khan, Md Ismail, Kuch, Ulrich, Faiz, M.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bangladesh; Fishermen; Occupational health; Sea snake; Sea snakebite; Work safety
• ISSN: 0041-0101; 1879-3150
• DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107273

Around two million people are engaged in marine fishing in the Bay of Bengal. Bites by sea snakes were common hazards feared by millions fishing at sea in earlier days. Current morbidity and mortality are also not known. This study was conducted to document and describe sea snake bites among selected communities of sea-going fishermen in Bangladesh. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from May to October 2019 among three communities of sea-going fishermen living along the coast of the Bay of Bengal in Cox's Bazar district. Fishermen were first asked by trained interviewers to recall any sea snakebites to themselves and among their fellows on board within the last year, then within the last 5 years and at any time before that. For any bite, related information including outcome was noted. Overall, 25.4% of respondents (62 out of 244) had been bitten by sea-snakes. Mean age was 37.6(±14) years; all males. 51.6% received some sort of treatment locally; 71% hot compress and 48% tourniquets. In 80.6% the affected limb was not immobilized. The bitten site was incised in 29%. 22.6% received treatment from traditional healers, 48.4% from local hospitals, 29% from district hospital. Six victims (9.7%) suffered from severe life-threatening consequences of the sea snakebite but none died. 32% of the fishermen had seen the offending snake. Sea snakebites are potentially dangerous; therefore, educating fishermen to avoid contact with sea snakes would dramatically reduce the incidence of sea snakebites. Most bites are treated initially by local measures which are often not scientific. Provision of proper first aid and treatment might reduce mortality and morbidity. A larger survey on sea snake bites among the fishermen in all coastal areas of Bangladesh is needed to determine the nationwide burden of morbidity and mortality related to sea snakebite. Conclusion: Sea snake bite is an important health hazard among sea going fishermen in southeast Bangladesh. Educating fishermen to avoid contact with sea snakes and provision of proper first aid and treatment might reduce the mortality and morbidity. A larger survey is needed. [Display omitted] •Sea snake bites happen but not being reported among sea going fishermen of south east Bangladesh•Venomous bites cause pain and swelling at site, dark urine and neurological features•Commonly treated by traditional methods•Building awareness to prevent bite and proper health care seeking is recommended