Snakebite in the tropics: experience in Makurdi, Nigeria

Between July 1976 and June 1977, 175 cases, reported to be snakebite, were admitted to the General Hospital, Makurdi, Nigeria; of these 112 cases were presumed to have been injected with snake venom, but only 90 patients received antivenom. 23 patients received blood transfusion. 10 patients died, giving a case fatality rate of 5.7%. No patient reacted to the antivenom. Working guidelines are provided for the management of snakebite in tropical West Africa.