Epidemiological characteristics and morbidity of Snake-bites in Zunyi city, China

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and morbidity of the snake-bite injury in Zunyi city, China, so as to provide the first aid guidance and public education for the prevention and treatment strategies of snake-bite injuries.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, and 548 cases of snake-bite were observed in this study between January1, 2015 to December 31, 2017. They were identified form the Emergency Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University. A retrospective epidemiological survey was conducted to collect their information on sex, age, occupation, bite location, bite year and season, specific bite cause.
Results: The number of the patients of snake-bite was increased; however, the fatality rate gradually was decreased year by year during the investigating period. Seven patients died during year 2015-2017 and the 3-year total mortality was 2.9%. Among the dead, 59.31% were male and 40.69% were female. 19.70% of patients were between 41 and 50 years old, 17.70% were between 51 and 60 years and 16.79% of patients were between 61 and 70 years old. Moreover, 66.97% of patients were on the lower extremity and 31.93% of patients on the upper extremity. 83.39% of patients were bitten while farming and 12.04% of patients were bitten while walking. Most cases occurred during summer and autumn (7-9 months) seasons. The regional distributions of 548 snake-bites were 44.34% in the County and 33.94% in districts of Zunyi city.
Conclusion: Target preventive measures should be conducted in high risk populations in Zunyi city, especially in spring and summer.