A study of epidemiology, risk factors and preventive measures against snake bites.

The epidemiology and exposing causes of snake bites were studied in 274 patients between 1 January 1982 and 30 December 1990. They comprised 142 males (51.82%) and 132 females (48.18%). Their ages ranged from 1 month to 86 years old. The age group most frequently bitten found in this study was between 15 to 29 years old amounting to 106 cases (38.69%). Of those 274 cases, 212 (77.37%) were the victims of poisonous snakes, namely, the green pit viper (Trimeresurus spp.) 156 cases (73.58%), the cobra (Naja naja) 53 cases (25.00%), Russell's viper (Vipera russellii siamensis) 3 cases (1.42%), while 13 cases (4.74%) were bitten by non-poisonous snakes, and in the remaining 49 cases (17.88%), the biting snakes were not clearly seen. It was found that 56 cases (20.44%) were bitten in the house, 50 cases (18.25%) were bitten within the precincts of the residence. However the highest number, 168 cases (61.31%) were bitten outside. It was also interesting to learn that 221 cases (80.66%) out of 274 were bitten in Bangkok, 91 cases (33.21%) were bitten from 6.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m., 129 cases (47.08%) were bitten between June and September, 98 cases (35.77%) were bitten on a foot and 77 cases (28.10%) were bitten on a finger. The high risk factor of being bitten by a snake was walking along a farm or a ranch with masses of grass or undergrowth during the night without self-prevention and good caution. Therefore, health education on preventive measures were elucidated.