[Poisonous snake bites: prevention--first aid--clinical management].

Envenomation due to terrestrial snakes is a rarity in travellers and tourists and can be readily controlled by preventive measures. It is a widely underestimated health problem of the rural population in tropical and subtropical countries, however. Prevention, First Aid, diagnostic procedures, symptomatic and specific (antivenom) treatment regimens of envenomation due to terrestrial snakes are presented.