Snakebites in the metropolitan region of Belém, Pará, Brazil

Abstract

Snakebites are among the major public health problems in tropical countries. In Brazil, its high incidence, especially in the Amazon region, reflects the intimate relationship between man and animal in a constant process of overlapping places of use. This study aims to describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of snakebites occurred in Belém, Pará, eastern Amazon. For this, a survey was conducted of all cases of poisoning by venomous snakes reported to the National System of notices and Diseases (SINAN) of the Ministry of Health, between January 2007 and December 2011. The data obtained from database with the Secretariat of the State of Pará Health (SESPA) were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics on Microsoft Excel (version 2007). They were reported 352 cases of snake bites, and identified prevalence in the first six months of each year, coinciding with the regional rainy season. Different from that seen in most studies, most accidents occurred in urban areas. Adult men, mainly in the lower limbs affected by Bothrops was the general profile found. Flaws in the serum therapy and filling in the forms were identified, showing that there is a need for training of involved and improving the notification system of this problem.