Epidemiological and Clinical Study of Snake Bite Cases Admitted in Basaveshwara Hospital, Chitradurga, Karnataka

Snake bite incidence is high in the rural parts of India, but reliable epidemiological data is scantily available from the rural tropics where snake bites occur most commonly. Information on the number of bites, envenomation, deaths and on the frequency of long term sequel due to snake bites are essential for assessing the magnitude of the problem, planning healthcare and to create awareness of the problem including training of medical staff to treat snakebites. A prospective study was undertaken in Chitradurga to evaluate the demographics and seriousness of the problem. Patients admitted to department of medicine for management of snake bites were studied. Age pattern, snake bite as an occupation risk, and bite site analysis were done along with study of commonly presenting clinical features. The importance of early presentation, institution of first aid and manifestation of systemic complications were critically analyzed.