Incidence of fatal snake bite in Loni, Maharashtra: An autopsy based retrospective study (2004-2014)

Snake bite is a major public health problem specially in a rural region where agricultural work is the major source of employment. A retrospective study was undertaken of all cases of deaths due to snake bite autopsied at the Mortuary of Pravara Rural Hospital, Loni a rural area in Western Maharashtra over a period of 10 years from January 2004 to December 2014. Data of the study was gathered from autopsy reports and hospital records. The cases represented approximately 2.13% (54) of the total 2539 medico legal autopsies conducted during the study period. Most of the deaths (42.60%) occurred in the age group of 11-30 years and both males and females were affected in almost equal proportions. There was a marked increase in the number of cases in monsoon season (59.26%). The lower extremity was the most frequently involved site of bite (62.96%). Snakes were identified in 43 cases (79.63%) and among the identified cases the most common culprit was Viper amounting to 29.63% of cases followed by Krait causing 24.07% of the deaths. The findings in our study reflects the necessity of educating the rural community regarding the hazards of snake bite, importance of early medical attention and to avoid wasting vital time being engaged by traditional healers.