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1: Bull World Health Organ. 1998;76(5):515-24.Click here to read Links

Snake-bites: appraisal of the global situation.

Chippaux JP.

Centre de Recherches sur les Meningites et les Schistosomiases, Niamey, Niger.

The true global incidence of envenomations and their severity remain largely misunderstood, except for a few countries where these accidents are rare or are correctly reported. Nevertheless, this information is essential for drawing up guidelines for dealing with snake-bites, to plan drug supplies, particularly antivenin, and to train medical staff on snake-bite treatments. Since the comprehensive review by Swaroop & Grab in 1954 no global survey has been carried out on snake-bite epidemiology. The present article is an attempt to draw the attention of health authorities to snake envenomations and urges them to prepare therapeutic protocols adapted to their needs.

PMID: 9868843 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PMCID: PMC2305789