Viperidae snakebites in Ecuador: A review of epidemiological and ecological aspects

Abstract

Snakebite envenoming is a neglected disease of public health concern. Most snakebite accidents occur in developing countries. In Ecuador, 17 viper species are responsible for 99% of official accidents, and ten species are in critical conservation states. This report analyzes the snakebite incident cases and mortality rates in Ecuador between 2014 and 2019. The data obtained from the national surveillance system suggests that the incidence and mortality rates remained constant. The geographic region with the highest incidence rates is the Amazonian region. National policies are urgently needed to prevent snakebite accidents and to protect snakes in danger of extinction.

Keywords: Ecuador; Ecuadorian vipers; Epidemiology of snakebites; Snakebite envenoming; Viperidae.

Fig. 1

Human demographics and snake population distribution in Ecuador: A) Political map of Ecuador: the continental area comprises three regions with its provinces (Coast: provinces 1–7; Andean: provinces 8–17; and Amazon: provinces 18–23) (Modified from Yañez-Arenas et al., 2018), B) Viperidae Family snake species in the country and altitudes where they are found. The species in critical state of preservation are denoted: Endangered (En), Critically Endangered (CEn), Vulnerable (Vu), Date Deficient (DD) (Birskis-Barros, 2019; Carrillo et al., 2005). C) National snakebite incidence rate per year (per 100.000 inhabitants). D) Snakebite incidence rate per year per geographic region (per 100.000 inhabitants). E) National snakebite mortality rate per year (per 100.000 inhabitants). E) Snakebite mortality rate per year per geographic region per (100.000 inhabitants).