Victims of snakebite. A 5-year study at Shongwe Hospital, Kangwane, 1978-1982.
The epidemiology of snakebite in 251 patients admitted to Shongwe Hospital is described for the period 1978-1982. The incidence of bites, their seasonal variation, environmental and population factors, age and sex variations, the bite-site, bite-admission time and bite incidents are analysed. First-aid is frequently administered inappropriately even when given by a health professional. A pregnant patient who went into labour following a mild to moderate cytotoxic snakebite was delivered of a healthy premature infant. The dangers of snakebite during pregnancy are discussed. The mean incidence of snakebite for the 5 years in review was 8,4/1,000 admissions and 34/100,000 population/yr, which is higher than that reported in other surveys.
McNally
S L
SL
Shongwe Hospital, Kangwane.
Reitz
C J
CJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010343:Patient Admission; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000628:therapy; D012621:Seasons; D012909:Snake Bites / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D013019:South Africa