Management of Snakebite and Research Management of Snakebite ...

Snakebite Control in Myanmar
snake, the majority of victims remain in their village and treat themselves with traditional
methods like trying to keep awake. This antivenom produced from Enhydrina schistosa is
effective for all sea snake bites. But further study of the situation is necessary before any
recommendations can be made regarding this expensive item.
There is no antivenom produced (available) in Myanmar for the fatal King Cobra bite
which occurs in the rural areas and in the forest. Antivenom from Thailand has been used
and found to be effective in a case of accidental bite occuring in Yangon Zoological gardens 4 .
Small quantities of this can also be purchased and made available to foresters and in rural
areas.
Green snakebite though not fatal is responsible for much morbidity producing severe
local swelling and wound necrosis leading to many days loss of labor and occassionally
loss of limb. Antivenom for this snake is not produced locally as Russells’ viper and cobra
are priorities.
Snake eradication measures have been tried in early 20 th century and this resulted in
an increase in rodent population and a fall in the yield of paddy and pulses. Further there
is an added risk of plague and other rodent borne diseases. Snake meat and rat meat is
considered a delicacy by some and selective destruction of poisonous snakes and rodents
with sparing of non poisonous snakes could reduce the incidence of poisonous snake
bites without upsetting the ecology.
Figure 2. Number of vials of Antisnake venom (20 mg/vial)
purchased from Myanmar Pharmaceutical Factory by Central Medical Store Depot
1994-1999: 1 vial=20mg
1999-2001: 1 vial=10mg
Source: Central Medical Store Depot
Immunodiagnosis for detection of venom from DMR 5 when available will be utilized
effectively in the diagnosis and management of snakebite cases. Fibrin Degradation Product
kits also from DMR will also aid in the management of these patients.
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