Management of Snakebite and Research Management of Snakebite ...
Management of Snakebite and Research Management of Snakebite ...
Management of Snakebite and Research Management of Snakebite ...
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<strong>Management</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Snakebite</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Research</strong><br />
12<br />
An Epidemiological Study <strong>of</strong> <strong>Snakebite</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
Venomous Snake Survey in Myanmar<br />
INTRODUCTION<br />
<strong>Snakebite</strong> is endemic in six rice growing divisions <strong>of</strong> Myanmar <strong>and</strong> is an important health<br />
problem in the country. It belongs to one <strong>of</strong> the priority diseases laid down in the national<br />
health plan. It is an occupational hazard <strong>of</strong> farmers <strong>and</strong> has been one <strong>of</strong> the 11 single<br />
leading causes <strong>of</strong> morbidity <strong>and</strong> mortality during the last three decades in the country.<br />
The epidemiological data on snakebite from 1954-88 has been reported (National<br />
<strong>Snakebite</strong> Seminar, 1989). An updated hospital-based morbidity <strong>and</strong> mortality survey on<br />
snakebite covering the period 1998-2000 will be presented. Also, an epidemiological<br />
study <strong>of</strong> snakebite cases admitted to Taungdwingyi hospital in 1994 (which has the highest<br />
incidence <strong>of</strong> snakebite in Myanmar) will be presented.<br />
Trends in snakebite<br />
Aye-Aye-Myint, Tun-Pe <strong>and</strong> Tin-Zar-Maw<br />
Venom <strong>Research</strong> Laboratory, Department <strong>of</strong> Medical <strong>Research</strong> (Lower Myanmar) Yangon<br />
Abstract<br />
A study <strong>of</strong> snakebite cases for 3 years (1998-2000) from 87 hospitals shows that the<br />
average prevalent rate <strong>of</strong> snakebite decreases from 24.6 to 17.4 x 100,000 <strong>and</strong> case<br />
fatality rate from 5.8 to 3.75%. Russell’s viper bite constitutes 60% (fatality rate<br />
8.2%), cobra 6% (8%), green pit viper 5%, sea snake 0.4% <strong>and</strong> unknown 29% (3%).<br />
Russell’s viper bite occurs throughout the year with a definite seasonality. A majority<br />
<strong>of</strong> the bites occur during the ploughing <strong>and</strong> harvesting seasons. The age <strong>of</strong> the victims<br />
ranges from 6-76 years with high numbers <strong>of</strong> snakebite cases (49%) <strong>and</strong> case fatality<br />
(5.6%) in 15-25 years old age group. Russell’s viper bite occurs at work in the field<br />
<strong>and</strong> on the way home or to work. A majority <strong>of</strong> the bites occur in the lower limbs<br />
between 6 am-6 pm. The dead snakes brought by the victims suggest that Russell’s<br />
viper bite is most common followed by cobra bites. The study suggests that a<br />
community-based study <strong>of</strong> the epidemiology <strong>of</strong> snakebite would highlight the<br />
magnitude <strong>of</strong> the problem<br />
A study <strong>of</strong> snakebite cases for 3 years (1998-2000) from 87 hospitals shows that the average<br />
prevalent rate <strong>of</strong> snakebite decreases from 24.6 to 17.4 x 100,000 <strong>and</strong> case fatality rate
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