Snakebite accidents in Rio Grande do Norte state, Brazil: Epidemiology, health management and influence of the environmental scenario.

OBJECTIVES: Brazil is home to large variety of snake species, of which about 17% are venomous. A large proportion of reported snakebite accidents in the country take place in northeast Brazil. We aimed to analyse the epidemiology of snakebites as a public health concern in Rio Grande do Norte state.

METHODS: A retrospective epidemiologic analysis was performed using data from the Brazilian Case Registry Database pertaining to the period 2007-2016, and considering environmental climate characteristics as an influential factor.

RESULTS: A number of 3909 cases were reported in total. Among those cases, 58% involved venomous species and more than 80% of these were caused by Bothrops species. An association between environmental characteristics and the incidence of reported cases was found. The Borborema Potiguar region was the most affected area. Apart from that, deficiencies in managing the victims were described.

CONCLUSION: This study highlights snakebite accidents as a public health concern in Rio Grande do Norte state. Snake bites are most likely being influenced by climate change and human activities. Continuous training of involved medical personnel could help optimise patient care and avoid under reporting in the accident reporting system.