The epidemiology of snakebite in northern Natal

The epidemiology of snakebite in 164 patients treated at Ngwelezana Hospital, Empangeni, Natal, is described. The person mostly at risk is the young Black adult female busy with her traditional chores at around sunset. She usually gets bitten on her bare foot by an unidentified species of snake, resulting in mild cytotoxic evenomation. The specificity of regional epidemiology is emphasized. The series is briefly compared with those of other workers and some suggestions regarding primary prevention, first-aid, medical student training and the contents of ant-snakebit kits are put forward.