A Study of Snake Bite Poisoning in Gulbarga Region (A Five Year Study)

Totally 329 cases of snakebite poisoning were studied between September 2000 to August 2005. Males 197 (59.88%) were affected more than females 132 (40.12%) in the ratio of 1.5:1. The most common age group is 20-29 years of age 89 (27.05%). Snakebite is the common health problem in rural areas 277 (84.19%) in rural areas, the most vulnerable occupation group being the people involved in agricultural work i.e., agriculturist 92 (27.96%) and field labourers 97 (29.48%). The male population was mostly bitten outdoor 134 (68.02%) whereas females were bitten mostly in indoor 79 (58.85%). Poisonous snakebites were 70.20% and nonpoisonous (17.33%), the rest were unidentified. The lower limb was the most preferred site of bite 233 (70.82%) with peak incidence of snake bite recorded between 6 PM to 12 midnight 108 (32.83%). Almost all the cases were given first aid 323 (98.18%), and post cases were rushed to the hospital within 6 hours of the time of bite i.e., 196 (59.57%). The commonest local manifestation was pain at the local site 283 (86.02%) and the common systemic manifestation was giddiness 163 (49.54%), followed by vomiting 131 (39.82%). More than half of the patients i.e., 188 (57.14%) were discharged or succumbed to snakebite poisoning within 3 days. Majority of the victims were given ASV (96.35%) and amongst those not treated 66.66%, people died. Out of 329 cases of snakebite poisoning, only 63 (19.14%) were proved to be fatal and the major cause of death in these was respiratory failure, which claimed 37 lives (11.25%).