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Published:
May 18, 2005Keywords:
Snakebite prevalence clinical presentation treatment Gombe
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Snake bite in Gombe
Abstract
Aims: Snake bite is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria as in many parts of the tropics. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and the clinical pattern of snake bite in Gombe.
Methods: Two hundred and seven (207) cases of snakebite admitted at the State Specialist Hospital Gombe over a 4-year period were retrospectively studied.
Results: The highest proportion was in the 21-30 years age group accounting for 36.9% of the total. There is a male preponderance with a male to female ratio of 6: 1. Most of the victims were bitten outdoors (75%). The lower limb was the most frequently bitten site (68.1%). The highest number of bites (77.3%) occurred during the rainy season, with farmers accounting for 64.2% of cases. 92% of the bites occurred during the day. Systemic envenomation was noted in 46.4% of the victims. 96.6 % of them received polyvalent antivenom, while 89.5% and 78.4% received antibiotics and antitetanus prophylaxis respectively. The mortality rate was 10.6%.
Conclusion: The prevalence of snake bite in Gombe is high. The morbidity and mortality can be reduced through health education to avoid harmful traditional practices, prompt conveyance of victims to hospital and early administration of adequate doses of antivenom.
KEY WORDS: Snakebite, prevalence, clinical presentation, treatment, Gombe
Highland Medical Research Journal Vol.1(4) 2003: 22-27
Methods: Two hundred and seven (207) cases of snakebite admitted at the State Specialist Hospital Gombe over a 4-year period were retrospectively studied.
Results: The highest proportion was in the 21-30 years age group accounting for 36.9% of the total. There is a male preponderance with a male to female ratio of 6: 1. Most of the victims were bitten outdoors (75%). The lower limb was the most frequently bitten site (68.1%). The highest number of bites (77.3%) occurred during the rainy season, with farmers accounting for 64.2% of cases. 92% of the bites occurred during the day. Systemic envenomation was noted in 46.4% of the victims. 96.6 % of them received polyvalent antivenom, while 89.5% and 78.4% received antibiotics and antitetanus prophylaxis respectively. The mortality rate was 10.6%.
Conclusion: The prevalence of snake bite in Gombe is high. The morbidity and mortality can be reduced through health education to avoid harmful traditional practices, prompt conveyance of victims to hospital and early administration of adequate doses of antivenom.
KEY WORDS: Snakebite, prevalence, clinical presentation, treatment, Gombe
Highland Medical Research Journal Vol.1(4) 2003: 22-27
