What are the characteristics and where is the highest risk of snakebite accidents in the state of São Paulo?

OBJECTIVES

To understand the pattern of snakebite envenomation, the objective was to describe accidents and deaths by snake genus, age group, sex, race/ethnicity, education level, place of residence and occurrence, seasonality, vegetation cover, and to identify spatial clusters with a higher risk of accidents in the state of São Paulo.

METHODS

A descriptive study using data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) on snakebite accidents between 2010 and 2022. The Getis-Ord Gi* index was applied to identify high- and low-risk clusters.

RESULTS

Bothropic accidents predominated (61.5%), affecting men (78.7%), whites (64.7%), adults aged 20-59 years (67.1%), and individuals with low education levels (63.4%). Most accidents occurred in urban areas (55.7%), while deaths were more frequent in rural areas (68.1%), with longer treatment delays. Incidence remained stable, increasing during hot and rainy periods. Many cases were not autochthonous, and vegetation type influenced accident patterns: Bothrops in dense and humid areas, Crotalus in dry and open regions, and Micrurus in both. Spatial analysis highlighted areas of higher and lower risk, varying by accident type.

CONCLUSIONS

Identifying the most affected population, seasonality, and high-risk areas provides essential support for preventive actions and effective management. The findings can guide efforts towards vulnerable populations, anticipate preventive strategies during high-incidence periods, and optimize resources, such as professional training and antivenom serum distribution in high-risk regions.