Abstract:
Incidence of snakebite is common worldwide. Morbidity
and mortality related to snakebite is considered as a major
public health problem in rural India.
The present study highlights the demographic character-
istics of snakebite cases in Dharwad, Karnataka, which
reflects rural India. All snakebite cases admitted during
a retrospective period of 4 years were selected. Total 93
cases were recorded and analyzed.
Nearly 64% of the victims were in the age group of 21-
40 years and males comprised 75% cases. Majority of
the incidents involved outdoor workers. Lower limbs were
the most common site of bite, accounting for 70% of
cases. First-aid measures were not undertaken in 95%
of cases.
This study highlights the sociological impact of snake-
bites, and suggests certain preventive measures to re-
duce snakebite morbidity and mortality, especially in ru-
ral India.
