DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2016.v04i10.038

Pages: 3749-3752

India is the largest single contributor to the global tally of snakebite deaths, with the numbers ranging 15,000-50,000 a year. Study of profile and pattern of snakebite is essential to provide pertinent information to the concerned authorities in order to manage snakebite appropriately. This study was done to find out area specific pattern of snakebite and factors related to outcome of such cases. The present prospective study was carried out in the Department of Forensic Medicine, Mamata Medical College and Hospital, Khammam, Andhra Pradesh for a period of 12 months i.e. during July 2011 to June 2012. Patients of snakebite poisoning seeking care at this tertiary care institution formed the study population. At the time of admission a thorough case history regarding the type of snake, time of snakebite, site of snakebite, the signs and symptoms, and any first aid measures was taken. People aged up to 40 years received more than half of snakebites. Maximum proportion of snakebites was experienced in the age group of 31-40 years. Gender wise males outnumbered females. Majority (50%) of snakebite victims were agricultural laborer working in the agricultural fields. Remaining study subjects were laborer, housewives, students and others. In majority (10/30) of cases Krait was responsible for bite followed by viper and unknown. Cobra was responsible for 4 bites out of 30. Most of the snakebites were reported in monsoon season. 43.5% of snakebite victims received first aid from a local PHC. This study highlights area specific profile, pattern of snakebite and other factors, which may provide pertinent information to the concerned authorities in order to manage snakebite appropriately.