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[Epidemiological data on snake bite cases reported in Benin from 1994 to 2000]
B Fayomi1, A Massougbodji, M Chobli
1Centre national hospitalier universitaire, B. P. 386, Cotonou, Bénin. bfayomi@intnet.bj
Bulletin De La Societe De Pathologie Exotique (1990)
|October 31, 2002
Summary
Snake bites are a significant occupational hazard in Benin, causing a high fatality rate despite low admission prevalence. Improved healthcare worker training and a unified therapeutic strategy are crucial for reducing snakebite deaths.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Context:
- Snake bites are a common occupational injury in tropical regions, particularly during agricultural work.
- Benin faces a substantial burden from snakebites, impacting public health significantly.
- This study analyzes 15 years of epidemiological data on occupational injuries, focusing on snakebites from 1994 to 2000.
Purpose:
- To conduct a periodic epidemiological analysis of occupational injuries, specifically snakebites, in Benin over a 15-year period.
- To assess the prevalence, lethality, and demographic distribution of snakebite cases reported to the Ministry of Public Health.
- To identify trends and inform strategies for improving snakebite management and reducing mortality.
Summary:
- Retrospective analysis of 30,273 snakebite cases reported between 1994 and 2000 in Benin.
- Snakebites represented less than 1% of admissions but had a high lethality rate of 15%, exceeding deaths from malaria and respiratory infections.
- Envenomations predominantly affected adults and teenagers, with a notable lethality in infants; northern Benin departments reported 314 cases.
Impact:
- Highlights the critical need for enhanced healthcare worker training and a systematic therapeutic approach to snakebite management.
- Underscores that snakebite lethality remains a persistent issue, necessitating urgent public health interventions.
- Provides crucial data for developing targeted prevention and treatment strategies to mitigate the impact of snakebites in Benin and similar tropical regions.