Victims of snakebite. A 5-year study at Shongwe Hospital, Kangwane, 1978-1982

The epidemiology of snakebite in 251 patients admitted to Shongwe Hospital is described for the period 1978-1982. The incidence of bites, their seasonal variation, environmental and population factors, age and sex variations, the bite-site, bite-admission time and bite incidents are analysed. First-aid is frequently administered inappropriately even when given by a health professional. A pregnant patient who went into labour following a mild to moderate cytotoxic snakebite was delivered of a healthy premature infant. The dangers of snakebite during pregnancy are discussed. The mean incidence of snakebite for the 5 years in review was 8,4/1,000 admissions and 34/100,000 population/yr, which is higher than that reported in other surveys.