An outbreak of krait bite amongst people in the desert sands: the cryptic enemy within

Authors

  • Vivek Gupta Department of Community Medicine, AFMC, Pune, Maharashtra, India
  • M. S. Mustafa Department of Community Medicine, AFMC, Pune, Maharashtra, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20210847

Keywords:

Anti-snake venom, Krait, Snake bite, Tents

Abstract

Background: Snake bite has been associated with high morbidity and mortality. Personnel are at high risk of snake bite. This investigation was carried out amongst residents with the purpose of identifying the factors that led to the bites and recommending preventive measures.

Methods: Three cases bitten by a single snake were investigated retrospectively. Historical data was collected and area reconnaissance was done. The severity of envenomation was assessed using a graded scale. Local authorities were briefed on remedial measures to prevent snake bite cases in future.

Results: The three cases of snake bite were rushed to the Primary health centre for first aid. Local signs of envenomation were absent in all cases. Two cases died before reaching the hospital. The third case managed to reach the hospital and was administered anti snake venom and put on ventilatory support, following which he recovered. Absence of local signs, along with the neurotoxic features led to the conclusion that the bite was caused by a krait. Environmental survey revealed that the village was surrounded with thick vegetation, waste disposal was being done too close to the cookhouse and snake trenches were not dug up.

Conclusions: The key for preventing fatality in snake bite is the immediate transfer of the victim to the nearest hospital equipped with anti-snake venom and ventilatory support equipment.

Author Biography

Vivek Gupta, Department of Community Medicine, AFMC, Pune, Maharashtra, India

COMMUNITY MEDICINE, CLASSIFIED SPECIALIST

References

Vinayak YK, Ahmed M, Colaco SM. Clinical profile of snake bite in children in rural India. Iran J Pediatr. 2013;23(6):632-6.

Ahmed S M, Ahmed M, Nadeem A, Mahajan J, Choudhary A, Pal J. Emergency treatment of a snake bite : pearls from literature. J Emerg Trauma Shock. 2008;1(2):97-105.

Kumar V, Maheshwari R, Verma HK. Toxicity and symptomatic identification of species involved in snakebites in the Indian subcontinent. J Venom Anim Toxins incl Trop Dis. 2006;12(1):3-18.

Inamdar IF, Aswar NR, Ubaidulla M, Dalvi SD. Snakebite: Admissions at a tertiary health care centre in Maharashtra, India. S Afr Med J. 2010;100(7):456-58.

Bawaskar HS, Bawaskar PH, Punde DP, Inamdar MK, Dongare RB, Bhoite RR. Profile of snakebite envenoming in rural Maharashtra, India. J Assoc Physicians India. 2008;56:88-95.

Prasarnpun S, Walsh J, Awad SS, Harris JB. Envenoming bites by kraits: the biological basis of treatment - resistant neuromuscular paralysis. Brain 2005;128(12):2987-96.

Nagnath R, Bhaisare SD, Bansod YV, Hire R. Management and outcome study of snake bite cases in Central India. Sch J App Med Sci. 2014;2(1):435 -41.

Harish R, Digra SK. Snakebite neurotoxicity: reversal after 48 hours. Indian Pediatr. 2001;44:233.

Kularatne SAM. Common krait (Bungarus caeruleus) bite in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka: a prospective clinical study. 1996 - 98. Postgrad Med J. 2002;78:276-80.

Chung T, Martin CS. Subjective stimulant and sedative effects of alcohol during early drinking experiences predict alcohol involvement in treated adolescents. J Stud Alcohol Drugs. 2009;70(5):660-7.

Ariaratnam CA, Sheriff MHR, Theaktson RDG, Warrell DA. Distinctive epidemiologic and clinical features of common krait (Bungarus caeruleus) bites in Sri Lanka. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2008;79(3):458-62.

Mehta SR, Sashindran VK. Clinical features and management of snake bite. MJAFI. 2002;58(3):247-9.

Monteiro FNP, Kanchan T, Bhagavath P, Kumar PG. Krait bite poisoning in Manipal region of Southern India. J Indian Acad Forensic Med. 2011;33(1):43-5.

Alirol E, Sharma S K, Bawaskar HS, Kuch U, Chappuis F. Snake bite in South Asia: a review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2010;4(1):603.

Bawaskar H, Bawaskar PH. Profile of snakebite envenoming in western Maharashtra, India. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 2002;96:79-84.

Narvencar K. Correlation between timing of ASV administration and complications in snake bites. JAPI. 2007;6(54):717-9.

Chauhan S, Faruqi S, Bhalla A, Sharma N, Varma S, Bali J. Pre-hospital treatment of snake envenomation in patients presented at a tertiary care hospital in northwestern India. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis. 2005;11(3):275-82.

Downloads

Published

2021-02-24

How to Cite

Gupta, V., & Mustafa, M. S. (2021). An outbreak of krait bite amongst people in the desert sands: the cryptic enemy within. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 8(3), 1476–1480. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20210847

Issue

Section

Original Research Articles