[Epidemiological aspects of snakebites in Benin]

Among rural environmental health emergencies, snakebite was common in villages community and agriculture activities. Their frequency and fatal complication depend on the venomous character of the species and the lack of early treatment. The aim of this work was to describe some epidemiological aspects of the snakebites and to suggest preventive strategies to avoid complication. So, we conducted a retrospective survey using health centre data of the statistic office of MOH from 2000 to 2002. During the three years, 10,954 cases were notified with an annual total average of 3,651 bites with 158 for kid's average. The wounded distribution indicated more wounded male than female (sex-ratio = 2:1), with a yearly rising trend in adults. Fatality rate was 0.94% in 2001 and rose to 1.57% in 2002. Fatality rate was higher in kids (1.67%) than in adults (1.08%). According to the ecological environment northern provinces were more exposed (71.6%) than central and south areas. But in central area, fatality rate was higher (1.05%) than in others (0.80%). Based on these findings, authors suggested the training of caregivers in rural health centre on earlier treatment, community training on snakebite primary health care and implementation of snakebite register