- The organization stated that the most exposed groups are children and adolescents.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that venomous snakebites cause between 81,410 and 137,880 deaths each year worldwide, which means one death every five minutes.
The WHO has designated September 19 as a day to raise awareness of this situation and reduce the number of victims by 2030.
David Williams, a WHO snake expert, said children were the most at risk, adding that more than a third of all fatalities were under 20 years of age.
Williams said that for every person who dies, three more people bitten by a venomous snake are left with a long-term or permanent disability, including cases where limbs have to be amputated.
Factors that influence the lack of timely attention to a snake bite
Table of Contents
Venomous snakes inhabit large regions of the world such as tropical forests or deserts, and most cases of bites are recorded in low- or middle-income countries in Asia, Africa or Latin America.
Such an incident can push many survivors into even greater poverty due to the high cost of treatment.
The WHO cited the case of India, where an average of 58,000 deaths from snake bites are recorded each year.
International authorities have launched a programme to assess the effectiveness of antidotes on the market. A community-based model for the procurement, supply and distribution of treatments has also been created, which will be tested for the first time in West Africa in 2025.
The WHO has predicted that climate change will most likely impact the distribution of snake populations and that some species will be forced in the not-too-distant future to move into environments where they will come into contact with humans.
Situation of snakes in Venezuela
Luis Fernando Navarrete, a herpetologist who is part of the Institute of Tropical Medicine at the Central University of Venezuela (UCV) in Caracas, explained to The Diary in an interview published on July 16, 2024 It is important for citizens to know how to act appropriately during encounters with snakes to avoid the unnecessary death of these animals.
Navarrete explained that the snakes may be close to urban areas because those areas were possibly their original habitat. He also mentioned that these reptiles seek shelter and food in garbage, which attracts them to areas inhabited by humans.
The expert pointed out that, in the event of an encounter with a snake, it is essential to respect its space and not try to capture or kill it. Staying calm and moving away slowly can prevent bites and avoid the unnecessary death of the animal.
“It is important to demystify the idea that snakes chase. This is a myth. These animals keep their space. Many snakes, such as rattlesnakes, warn when they feel threatened, so you should keep a safe distance and let the animal pass or go away,” said Navarrete.
He also said that in the case of a snake bite, it is important to check if it is a dry bite, in which the animal does not inject venom. These are warning bites and do not always cause poisoning.
The expert said that doctors must evaluate the patient’s clinical condition to determine whether it is necessary to administer antivenom, in addition to performing laboratory tests to confirm the need for treatment.
With information from EFE
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#Poisonous #snake #bites #death #minutes #worldwide
2024-09-18 02:57:15
- What are the main factors contributing to delayed treatment of snake bites globally?
Snake Bites: A Deadly and Often Overlooked Global Health Crisis
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that venomous snakebites claim between 81,410 and 137,880 lives each year, which translates to one death every five minutes. To raise awareness about this preventable tragedy, the WHO has designated September 19 as a day to reduce the number of victims by 2030. In this article, we will delve into the factors that contribute to the lack of timely attention to snake bites, the populations most affected, and the global efforts underway to combat this crisis.
The Most Vulnerable: Children and Adolescents
According to David Williams, a WHO snake expert, children and adolescents are the most at risk of snake bites. Shockingly, more than a third of all fatalities are under 20 years of age. The long-term consequences of a snake bite can be devastating, with three people left with permanent disabilities, including amputations, for every person who dies.
Factors Influencing the Lack of Timely Attention to a Snake Bite
Several factors contribute to the delayed attention to snake bites, leading to increased mortality and morbidity:
- Geographical Location: Venomous snakes inhabit vast regions of the world, including tropical forests and deserts, with most cases reported in low- or middle-income countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
- Economic Constraints: The high cost of treatment can push survivors into deeper poverty, exacerbating the problem.
- Lack of Access to Healthcare: In many rural areas, medical facilities are scarce, making it difficult to receive prompt and effective treatment.
Global Efforts to Combat Snake Bites
To address the snake bite crisis, international authorities have launched several initiatives:
- Assessing Antidote Effectiveness: A programme to evaluate the effectiveness of antidotes on the market has been launched to ensure that patients receive the best possible treatment.
- Community-Based Model: A community-based model for the procurement, supply, and distribution of treatments has been created, which will be tested for the first time in West Africa in 2025.
- Addressing Climate Change: The WHO predicts that climate change will impact the distribution of snake populations, forcing some species to migrate into new environments. This highlights the need for proactive measures to mitigate the effects of climate change on snake populations.
The Indian Scenario
India is a prime example of the severity of the snake bite crisis, with an average of 58,000 deaths reported each year. The WHO’s efforts to combat snake bites in India will serve as a model for other affected countries.
Conclusion
Snake bites are a preventable tragedy that claims thousands of lives each year. By understanding the factors that contribute to delayed attention and the populations most affected, we can work towards reducing the number of victims by 2030. The WHO’s global efforts to combat snake bites, combined with community-based initiatives and research into antidote effectiveness, offer hope for a future where snake bites are no longer a deadly threat.
Keywords: snake bites, World Health Organization, venomous snakes, global health crisis, children and adolescents, timely attention, geographical location, economic constraints, lack of access to healthcare, antidote effectiveness, community-based model, climate change, India.