Incidence of snake bites in Belgaum.

ABSTRACT

Belgaum is surrounded by rivers and ever-green dense forests and is home for many wild creatures. People here usually come in contact with these wild creatures, specially snakes. Hence a prospective study was undertaken to find out incidence of snake bites which were admitted to District Hospital, Belgaum over a period of one year from September 2000 to August 2001. District Hospital, Belgaum is a referral hospital which caters to the needs of public within a radius of 100 km. Out of 290 poisoning cases, 40 were snake bites. Among them 25 cases were poisonous snakebites. The maximum number of patients were in the age group of 21 to 40 years and least were above 40 years. Males predominated, females in the ratio 3 2. The bites were most commonly found on the lower limbs. Maximum snake bite cases were observed in monsoon. Maximum victims were agricultural workers who work in out-fields. The maximum victims belonged to rural areas.