Snakebite

Snakebites are a major potential life threat globally. While often ignored by many, it remains a major health risk, particularly in areas where venomous (poisonous) snakes are widespread.

A snakebite is an injury caused by a bite from a snake, often resulting in puncture wounds inflicted by the animal’s fangs (teeth) and sometimes result in envenomation (poisoning). Despite its significance, the subject of snakebite has not received the proper attention it deserves.

Snakes are of two large categories venomous and non-venomous snakes.

• Non-venomous snakes: About two-third of snakes are non-venomous and don’t have poison in their bite. These types of snakes are mostly not dangerous
• Venomous snakes: Only about 15% of snakes worldwide are venomous and can inject poison when they bite. These poisoning can vary in type and severity ranging from minimal pain or swelling to severe organ injury and potential death.

Snakebite envenoming is a potentially life-threatening event caused by toxins in the bite of a venomous snake. Furthermore, envenoming can be caused by having venom sprayed into the eyes by certain snake species capable of spitting venom in self-defense. However not all bites from a venomous snake result in envenomation (poison). In fact, no venom (poison) is released in up to 50% of bites of a venomous snakes

Snakebite in Nigeria is a silent public health crisis.

Snake bites in Nigeria are a serious but largely disregarded public health issue. About 500 bites are reported each year in Nigeria, although the true number could be substantially higher owing to underreporting.

The country’s warm climate and diverse ecosystems provide a great habitat for several venomous snakes, putting millions of Nigerians, especially those living in rural areas, at risk. Despite being avoidable and treatable, snakebites continue to cause significant disability and death, disrupting the lives of many families across the country.

Snakebites are particularly common in rural northern and middle belt regions of Nigeria, where farming and other outdoor activities are popular.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Typical symptoms of a nonvenomous snakebite are pain, injury and scratches at the site of the bite.

Symptoms caused by venomous snakes vary according to the type of snakes, and the amount of venom released. In general, venomous bites are often dangerous and life-threatening.

Some common symptoms to look out for, include but no limited to combinations of any of the following:

• Pain and Swelling: The bite site might become painful and swollen or form blisters. This is generally the first symptoms that a venomous snake has bitten you.
• Bruising and bleeding: There may be obvious bruising or blood at the bite site and sometimes from other body opening like nose and mouth.
• Breathing difficulties: Some snake venom can induce difficulties breathing, which is a serious condition that necessitates immediate medical attention.
• Weakness or Paralysis: Venom can damage the neurological system, causing muscle weakness, paralysis, or trouble speaking or swallowing or dropping of the eyelid.
• A strong reaction can result in dizziness, headache, confusion, disorientation, or fainting.
• Nausea, vomiting, and stomach and muscle pain are all possible side effects of the venom.

FIRST AID

All snakebites should be treated as a potential emergency. Snakebite is usually associated with significant anxiety and often leads to potentially harmful actions.

Following a bite from a snake suspected of being venomous, perform these steps:

• Move immediately away from the bite site and the snake and call for help.
• Maintain your composure.
• Remove any jewelry, watches, or anything tight around the bitten area of the body to avoid injury if swelling occurs.
• Sit or lie down with the bite in a neutral, comfortable posture and wait for help, do not drive yourself to the hospital as symptoms can develop any time and impair your judgement and ability to drive.
• Wash the bite with soap and water. Cover it loosely with a clean, dry bandage.

If you are a witness

• Reassure the victim that most venomous snake bites do not result in instant death.
• Immobilize the individual totally and take them to a medical facility as quickly as feasible.
• Applying pressure to the bite site with a pressure pad may be appropriate in some instances.
• Avoid traditional first-aid techniques and herbal remedies.
• Paracetamol may be used to treat local pain (which can be severe).
• Vomiting may occur, therefore placing the patient on their left side in the recovery position.
• Do not try to catch snake rather try to remember its color and shape or if possible, take a picture of the snake from a safe distance, so that you can describe it to the healthcare provider, because knowing the kind snake involved can help with treatment.
• Closely watch the airway and breathing

TREATMENT

Treatment of non-venomous snake is basically would care.

The main stay of treatment of venomous snake is Antivenom.

After initial basic life support treatment are given, healthcare providers may quickly run some laboratory tests to evaluate envenomation, the severity of damage, complications and type of vaccines to be administered.

Factors Contributing to Increased Snakebite Incidence

There are several reasons that contribute to the high prevalence of snakebites in Nigeria:

Agricultural Activities: Many Nigerians, particularly in rural regions, are involved in farming. Working in fields, especially during the rainy season when snakes are more active, increases the likelihood of encountering a deadly snake.

Lack of Awareness: Many individuals in rural regions are unaware of the dangers of snake bites and how to avoid them. There is also a lack of understanding of what to do if bitten, resulting in delayed treatment and poor outcomes.

Poor Access to Healthcare: In many places of Nigeria, healthcare facilities are scarce, and antivenom availability is limited. The expensive expense of antivenom and the great distances to healthcare facilities make it Snakebite victims struggle to receive prompt treatment due to the expensive cost of antivenom and the great distances between healthcare facilities.

CONSEQUENCES

Snakebites may be traumatic for victims and their families. Long-term disabilities, such as limb loss or decreased mobility, are common among survivors, limiting their capacity to work and support their families. The psychological impact is severe, with many victims enduring trauma and anxiety because of a snakebite.

PREVENTION

Snakebites can be prevented through a mix of community education, environmental management, and access to healthcare. Here are a few key strategies:

• Community Education: Increasing awareness of snakebite hazards and preventative procedures.
• Strategies is critical. People should be taught on how to avoid snakebites by wearing
• Promoting the use of protective clothes and gears in farm, using a torch at night, and keeping their homes and surroundings clean to deter snakes.
• Improved Healthcare Access: It is critical to strengthen rural healthcare delivery networks. This includes making antivenom more affordable and available, educating healthcare staff on snakebite management, and ensuring that healthcare facilities are prepared to handle snakebite cases.
• Environmental Management: Reducing the quantity of snakes in residential and commercial settings can also help reduce snakebites. This can be accomplished by clearing vegetation surrounding homes, locating livestock pens away from living areas, and applying snake repellents as needed.

PROGNOSIS: Outlook after a snakebite varies based on what type of snake is involved and the amount of venom it injected into the body. If treated with antivenom quickly, there will be more positive outlook. Untreated or delayed treatment of venomous snakebites is life-threatening and can lead to death.

CONCLUSION

Snakebites in Nigeria are a major but preventable public health concern. Snakebite incidence and suffering can be dramatically decreased with increased awareness, improved access to healthcare, and tailored prevention initiatives. It is critical that the government, healthcare professionals, and communities work together to confront this silent disaster and save lives.

MKO Abimbola holds a doctoral degree in physician associate studies from the United States of America. He is a Harvard Medical School scholar, who specializes in Internal medicine, Acute care, Emergency Medicine, Geriatrics, Psychiatry, and Surgical services.