title: Snakebite cases in the municipalities of the State of Paraíba, Brazil.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study investigated the epidemiological and clinical profile of snakebite cases reported from 2007 to 2012 in the municipalities of the Curimataú region, State of Paraíba, in northeastern Brazil.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected from the Health Department of the State of Paraíba using the Injury Notification Information System data banks of the Health Ministry.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 304 snakebite cases were studied. The cases occurred most frequently from April to June. The genera Bothrops, Crotalus, and Micrurus were responsible for 74.6%, 6.2%, and 1.3% of cases, respectively. Snakebite cases predominated in males living in rural areas and between 10 and 19 years old. The highest incidence of bites occurred on the feet. The majority of the victims received medical assistance within 1 to 3h after being bitten. With regard to severity, 48% of the cases were classified as mild, 26% as moderate, and 2.6% as severe. Successful cures predominated, and no deaths were reported. The average antivenom ampoule dose used for the treatment in some snakebite cases was lower than that recommended by the Health Ministry.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although our results show that Paraíba has a good level of medical care, there are serious deficiencies in recording snakebite information. These data indicate the need to improve the recording process for snakebite cases. Further training for health professionals seems to be necessary to optimize their skills in treating snakebite victims.
authors.forename: Hellyson Fidel Araújo De
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Oliveira
authors.forename: Rafaella  Moreno
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Barros
authors.forename: Jackeline Araujo
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Pasquino
authors.forename: Laisla Rangel
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Peixoto
authors.forename: Jorge Alves
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Sousa
authors.forename: Renner de Souza
authors.initials: Rde S
authors.lastname: Leite
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000818:Animals; D000997:Antivenins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D018563:Disease Notification; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012621:Seasons; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012909:Snake Bites / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000997:Antivenins