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Venomous snakebite risk and its implications in Zacatecas State, Mexico 2007-2017
Jesús Lenin Lara-Galván1, Manuel Montesino-San Martín2, Xabier Herrero Otero3
1Department of Statistics, Mathematics and Computing, Public University of Navarre, Pamplona-Iruña, Spain; Postgraduate College, San Luis Potosí Campus, Salinas de Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí, Mexico; Zoological Collection, Department of Biology, Autonomous University of Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes.
Men in rural Zacatecas, Mexico, especially older males in agriculture or mining, face higher snakebite risks. High-risk areas identified, emphasizing the need for targeted prevention and better data collection for venomous snakebite epidemiology.
Area of Science:
- Ophidiotoxicology
- Epidemiology
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Background:
- Limited research exists on biodiversity and snakebites in Zacatecas, Mexico.
- Twelve venomous snake species from three genera (Crotalus, Micruroides, Micrurus) pose a risk.
- Snakebite epidemiology in the region is poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the relationship between population variables and snakebite incidents.
- To identify high-risk municipalities and demographic groups for snakebites in Zacatecas.
- To utilize GIS and programming for epidemiological mapping of snakebites.
Main Methods:
- Employed Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and programming for data analysis.
- Collected snakebite data from Zacatecas Health Services (SSZ) from 2007-2017.
- Integrated climatic, social, and biological variables with population data.
Main Results:
- Men in livestock breeding, agriculture, subsistence hunting, or mining are more vulnerable.
- Individuals over 65 years old are particularly at risk.
- Concepción del Oro, Villa de Cos, El Plateado de Joaquín Amaro, Loreto, and Ojocaliente show the highest risk.
Conclusions:
- High population density areas (Guadalupe, Fresnillo, Zacatecas) require special monitoring.
- Valparaíso needs monitoring due to its rich venomous snake fauna.
- Preventive measures and improved snakebite data collection are recommended for future research and modeling.
