Snake bite envenomation in Ecuador

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the burden of snake bite in Ecuador and to identify the difficulties of snake bite management in Ecuadorian health facilities. A survey based on national health statistics was carried out in Ecuador to estimate the overall incidence and mortality due to snake bites. During the period 1998-2007, the average annual incidence and mortality was respectively 11 and 0.5 per 100 000 inhabitants. The at-risk population was represented mainly by males aged 10-54 years. Snake bite incidence increased during the rainy season and El Niño. According to one data source, the majority of snake bites occurred in the coastal region (56%) compared with the Amazonian rainforest (11%) and the highlands (33%). This geographical variation in snake bite incidence may reflect the distribution of venomous snakes and human population densities and activities. This preliminary national survey on the incidence of the envenomings due to snake bite in Ecuador showed a stable incidence over the time period studied but was heterogeneous in the three geographical regions of Ecuador. The incidence and mortality were higher in the lowland humid regions where Bothrops species are abundant.