Trends in fatal snakebites in Venezuela, 1995-2002.
OBJECTIVE
There have been few studies evaluating snakebite mortality in Venezuela and South America. In this study we evaluate trends in fatal snakebites occurring in Venezuela between 1995 and 2002.


METHODS
Epidemiological data for this study were retrieved from the records of the Ministry of Health of Venezuela. Using these data, we analyzed the impact of snakebites in Venezuela during the study period.


RESULTS
During the study period, there were 266 reports of death due to snakebite; 79.7% were males, and 20.3% were females (P < .01). Annual mean deaths numbered 33 per year. Of total deaths, 24.1% occurred in victims 55-70 years old. Deaths in young children (<5 years old) accounted for 7.1% of the total. Mortality rate by age showed an age-dependent rate, with higher rates in older ages (P = .038).


CONCLUSIONS
Snake envenomations are an important cause of injury and deaths in Venezuela as in many American countries. Surveillance of envenomations is essential for establishing guidelines, planning therapeutic supplies, and training medical staff on snakebite treatment, as well as assessing risk zones for travelers.
Benítez
Jesús A
JA
Direction of Environmental Health, Ministry of Health, Maracay, Venezuela.
Rifakis
Pedro M
PM
Vargas
Jair A
JA
Cabaniel
Gilberto
G
Rodríguez-Morales
Alfonso J
AJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D012909:Snake Bites / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control; D012911:Snakes; D014687:Venezuela / Q000453:epidemiology