Boletim informativo de toxicologia: acidentes ofídicos / Toxicology Fact Sheet: Snakebites

Os acidentes por animais peçonhentos, especialmente os acidentes ofídicos, foram incluídos pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) na lista das doenças tropicais negligenciadas que acometem, na maioria das vezes, populações pobres que vivem em áreas rurais, devido à gravidade constituem um problema de saúde pública. O sucesso no tratamento do paciente para que os mesmos não gerem sequelas graves, podendo chegar ao óbito, requer atendimento de forma rápida, com o uso adequado do soro específico quando necessário para cada espécie de serpentes e na quantidade recomendada. Em Goiás as principais serpentes que causam acidente são dos gêneros: Bothrops (jararacas), Crotalus (cascavéis) e Micrurus (coral), são considerados acidentes graves que demandam o uso de soros antivenenos específicos

Accidents by venomous animals, especially snakebites, were included by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the list of neglected tropical diseases that affect, most of the time, poor people living in rural areas, due to the seriousness of a public health problem. . Successful treatment of the patient so that they do not generate serious sequelae, which can lead to death, requires quick care, with the appropriate use of specific serum when necessary for each species of snakes and in the recommended amount. In Goiás, the main snakes that cause accidents are of the genera: Bothrops (jararacas), Crotalus (rattlesnakes) and Micrurus (coral), are considered serious accidents that require the use of specific antivenom serums

Anti-Snake Venom Properties of Medicinal Plants: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Literature

Abstract Snakebite is one of the major health issues posing considerable morbidity and mortality. According to an estimate of World Health Organization (WHO) (World health organization, 2021) approximately 5 million people are bitten by several species of snakes resulting in up to 2.5 million envenomation cases annually. The mainstay of treatment for envenomation is intravenous administration of anti-snake venom. Although antivenom neutralizes the systemic effects but it does not relieve the symptoms such as venom-induced hemorrhage, necrosis and nephrotoxicity. Moreover, the use of antivenoms is associated with hypersensitivity reactions including urticaria, anaphylaxis, or serum sickness due to their heterologous property. Furthermore, stringent storage conditions and narrow specificity of antivenoms limit their use in both developed as well as developing countries. In this context, researchers have been searching for natural products and plant extracts to explore their antivenom activity along with anti-myotoxic, anti-hemorrhagic and anti-inflammatory properties. Plant remedies may prove to be an effective alternate for antivenom sera with less adverse events and better tolerability. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review of medicinal plants possessing anti-snake venom activities against certain species of snakes. The current review highlights the investigated plants with their phytochemical analysis to integrate the available information for future research and development of antivenom sera.

Vipers of Major clinical relevance in Europe: Taxonomy, venom composition, toxicology and clinical management of human bites.

Snakebites in Europe are mostly due to bites from Viperidae species of the genus Vipera. This represents a neglected public health hazard with poorly defined incidence, morbidity and mortality. In Europe, fourteen species of "true vipers" (subfamily Viperinae) are present, eleven of which belong to the genus Vipera. Amongst these, the main medically relevant species due to their greater diffusion across Europe and the highest number of registered snakebites are six, namely: Vipera ammodytes, V. aspis, V. berus, V. latastei, V. seoanei and V. ursinii. Generally speaking, viper venom composition is characterised by many different toxin families, like phospholipases A2, snake venom serine proteases, snake venom metalloproteases, cysteine-rich secretory proteins, C-type lectins, disintegrins, haemorrhagic factors and coagulation inhibitors. A suspected snakebite is often associated with severe pain, erythema, oedema and, subsequently, the onset of an ecchymotic area around one or two visible fang marks. In the field, the affected limb should be immobilised and mildly compressed with a bandage, which can then be removed once the patient is being treated in hospital. The clinician should advise the patient to remain calm to reduce blood circulation and, therefore, decrease the spread of the toxins. In the case of pain, an analgesic therapy can be administered, the affected area can be treated with hydrogen peroxide or clean water. However, anti-inflammatory drugs and disinfection with alcohol or alcoholic substances should be avoided. For each patient, clinical chemistry and ECG are always a pre-requisite as well as the evaluation of the tetanus immunisation status and for which immunisation may be provided if needed. The treatment of any clinical complication, due to the envenomation, does not differ from treatments of emergency nature. Antivenom is recommended when signs of systemic envenomation exist or in case of advanced local or systemic progressive symptoms. Recommendations for future work concludes. The aim of this review is to support clinicians for the clinical management of viper envenomation, through taxonomic keys for main species identification, description of venom composition and mode of action of known toxins and provide a standardised clinical protocol and antivenom administration.

Prevalence, vulnerability and epidemiological characteristics of snakebite in agricultural settings in rural Sri Lanka: A population-based study from South Asia.

BACKGROUND: The burden of snakebite remains poorly characterised because of the paucity of population-based data. Further, factors determining the vulnerability of individuals within rural communities to snakebite have been rarely investigated. We undertook a population-based study to determine the prevalence, vulnerability and epidemiological characteristics of snakebite in rural Sri Lanka. METHODS AND FINDINGS: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 8707 current residents in the district of Ampara, representing typical rural Sri Lanka. The sample was recruited using multi-stage cluster sampling with probability proportionate-to-size. Snakebite victims were identified using the WHO criteria. Data were collected using a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Each household had on average 3.8 persons; mean age 28.3 years (SD = 18.2); 51.3% males. The one-year point prevalence of snakebites was 17.6 per 1000 residents (95% CI: 15-20.6) and 6.12 per 100 households (95% CI: 5.25-7.13), while the lifetime prevalence was 9.4 per 100 residents (95% CI: 8.8-10.0) and 30.5 per 100 households (95% CI: 28.6-32.2) with a case fatality ratio of 0.033. Venomous snakebites accounted for 28.1%; snakes were unidentified among 30.1%. Compared to the non-snakebite victims, being single, males, of Sinhala ethnicity, aged >19 years, low education and socioeconomic status, engaging in farming or unskilled outdoor occupations denoted vulnerability to snakebites. Outdoor bites (77.8%) were more common among males; during daytime; mostly while walking; within the rural terrains and home gardens; on lower limbs; mostly by hump-nosed and Russell viper. Indoor bites were more common among females; during night-time; while sleeping and barefooted; on lower limbs; mostly by hump-nosed vipers, kraits and non-venomous snakes. CONCLUSIONS: The burden of snakebite is considerably high among rural populations. The concept of vulnerability can be useful in healthcare decision-making and resource allocation.

Snakebite poisoning in Spain. / Envenenamiento por mordedura de serpiente en España.

OBJECTIVES: Emergencies due to snakebites, although unusual in Spain, are potentially serious. Of the 13 species native to the Iberian peninsula, only 5 are poisonous: 2 belong to the Colubridae family and 3 to the Viperidae family. Bites from these venemous snakes can be life-threatening, but the venomous species can be easily identified by attending to certain physical traits. Signs denoting poisoning from vipers, and the appropriate treatment to follow, have changed in recent years.

OBJETIVO: Las urgencias por mordeduras de serpientes ibéricas en España son poco frecuentes pero potencialmente graves. De las trece especies autóctonas, sólo cinco son venenosas (2 especies de colúbridos y las 3 especies de vipéridos) y pueden suponer un riesgo para la vida del paciente. La identificación de las especies puede ser sencilla teniendo en cuenta una serie de rasgos del ofidio. Las manifestaciones clínicas debidas al envenenamiento de las víboras, así como su tratamiento, han experimentado modificaciones en los últimos años.

Ophthalmic abnormalities secondary to periocular or ocular snakebite (pit vipers) in dogs--11 cases (2012-2014).

OBJECTIVE: To describe ophthalmic abnormalities secondary to periocular and ocular snakebite in dogs. ANIMAL STUDIED: Retrospective review of medical records from dogs presenting to the Small Animal Hospital at University of Florida following snakebites to the face (2012-2014). Two groups were identified: periocular bites (PB) and ocular bites (OB). RESULTS: Records from eleven dogs matched the search criteria and were included in the study (PB=9, 81.8%; OB=2, 18.2%). Both OB cases involved the cornea. Facial edema, blepharospasm, chemosis, and conjunctival hyperemia occurred in all cases (100%). Hemorrhage from the eyelids occurred in eight cases (72.7%; PB=7, OB=1). Subconjunctival hemorrhage occurred in seven cases (63.6%; PB=6, OB=1). Third eyelid laceration and nictitans gland prolapse occurred in 1 case each (9%; PB=1). Lagophthalmia was present in three cases (27.3%; PB=3), with secondary corneal ulcer in two cases (18.2%; PB=2). Corneal ulcer due to direct corneal bite occurred in two cases (18.2%-partial thickness with melting (1) and full thickness (1) ). Uveitis was present in 6 cases (54.5%; PB=4, OB=2), with flare and miosis in 4 cases (36.4%; PB=2, OB=2). Hyphema, fibrin in anterior chamber, and cataract occurred in one case (9%; OB=1). Vision loss occurred in two cases (18.2%; PB=2), secondary to retinal degeneration (PB=1) and amaurosis (PB=1). Mean follow-up time was 7 weeks (range: 3 days-11 months). Most clinical signs had resolved by last examination. CONCLUSIONS: Periocular symptoms were more commonly observed than ocular alterations, regardless of bite location. Appropriate supportive therapy should be instituted according to clinical signs.

Snakebites notified to the poison control center of Morocco between 2009 and 2013

Snakebites cause considerable death and injury throughout the globe, particularly in tropical regions, and pose an important yet neglected threat to public health. In 2008, the Centre Anti Poison et de Parmacovigilance du Maroc (CAPM) started to set up a specific strategy for the control of snakebites that was formalized in 2012. The aim of the present study is to describe and update the epidemiological characteristics of snakebites notified to CAPM between 2009 and 2013. Methods This retrospective five-year study included all cases of snakebites notified to CAPM by mail or phone. Results During the study period, 873 snakebite cases were reported to CAPM, an average incidence of 2.65 cases per 100,000 inhabitants with 218 cases each year. The highest incidence was found in Tangier-Tetouan region with 357 cases (40.9 %) followed by Souss Massa Draa region with 128 cases (14.6 %). The average age of patients was 26.8 ± 17.2 years. The male to female sex ratio was 1.67:1 and 77 % of cases occurred in rural areas. The bites occurred mainly in spring (44 %) followed by summer (42 %). Snake species was identified in 54 cases (6.2 %): colubrids represented 31 % (n = 18) and vipers 67 % (n = 36), mainly Daboia mauritanica, Bitis arietans and Cerastes cerastes. In 311 cases (35.6 %), the patients showed viper syndrome. Thrombocytopenia was observed in 23.5 % of viper syndrome cases, whereas, compartment syndrome was observed in 7.6 % patients. FAV-Afrique® was administered in 41 patients (5 %). In patients treated with antivenom, 38 patients recovered and three died. Twenty-seven deaths were reported (3.9 %). Conclusion Despite specific efforts to better understand the epidemiology of snakebites in Morocco (incidence, severity, snake species involved), it remains underestimated. Therefore, further work is still necessary to ensure accessibility of appropriate antivenom against venomous species and to improve the management of envenomation in Morocco.

Neurological Involvement and Hepatocellular Injury Caused by a Snake With Hematotoxin Envenomation.

Venomous snakes with hematotoxin-Russell's viper (Daboia spp), Malayan pit viper (Calloselasma rhodostoma), and green pit viper (Cryptelytrops albolabris and C macrops, previously named Trimeresurus spp) are commonly found in Thailand. Coagulation factor activation, thrombocytopenia, hyperfibrinolysis, and disseminated intravascular coagulation are the main mechanisms of hemorrhaging from these snake bites. The neurological involvement and hepatocellular injury after Russell's viper bites were reported in Sri Lanka, but there is no report from Southeast Asia. This case was a 12-year-old hill tribe boy who had ptosis and exotropia of the left eye, respiratory distress, and prolonged venous clotting time, prothrombin time, and activated partial thromboplastin time; low fibrinogen and platelet count; and transaminitis after being bitten by a darkish-colored snake. He did not respond to antivenom for cobra, Malayan pit viper, or Russell's viper. However, his neurological abnormalities, respiratory failure, and hepatocellular injury improved, and coagulopathy was finally corrected after receiving antivenom for green pit viper. The unidentified snake with hematotoxin was alleged for all manifestations in this patient.

[Adder bites].

Correct treatment of adder bites can reduce morbidity. We aim at creating an evidence-based guideline on pre- and in-hospital treatment of bites by the European adder (Vipera berus). Pre-hospital treatment consists of reassurance, immobilisation, elevation and paracetamol for pain. Icepacks, oral suction and tourniquets should be avoided. In-hospital treatment includes tetanus prophylaxis, paracetamol or opioids, antiemetics and the monovalent ovine immunoglobulin Fab fragment ViperaTAb. We strongly advise emergency departments to carry up-to-date guidelines regarding bites from the European adder.

Management of snakebite and systemic envenomation in rural Ecuador using the 20-minute whole blood clotting test.

OBJECTIVES: In low-income countries, snakebites are frequently managed in rural areas in health centers with severely constrained resources. Many healthcare providers in these settings have limited access to the numerous and relatively expensive laboratory studies used to diagnose envenomation. The relatively simple and inexpensive 20-minute whole blood clotting test (WBCT) has been recommended by several international organizations for the diagnosis of certain venomous snakebites. This study proposes to confirm the utility of the WBCT as the sole laboratory diagnostic tool to determine systemic envenomation in hematotoxic snakebite management in severely resource-constrained areas of the world. METHODS: The authors reviewed all 110 cases of snakebite during a 6-year period in a small hospital in rural Ecuador using the WBCT. RESULTS: All cases presented within 24 hours of snakebite. Twenty cases revealed normal coagulation with no clinical evidence of systemic envenomation. Ninety cases had no evidence of clot formation (positive WBCT) at 20 minutes, suggesting systemic envenomation. Of these 90 cases, according to a classification scale, 54 were mild, 26 were moderate, and 10 were severe envenomations requiring transfer to tertiary care. All mild and moderate systemic envenomations were successfully treated at the rural hospital. All severe envenomations were treated initially with antivenom before transfer to tertiary care. One patient with severe envenomation died in tertiary care. CONCLUSIONS: The WBCT was predictive of the presence or absence of systemic envenomation from snakebite in our region. The WBCT guided the successful management of mild and moderate systemic envenomation, and spared patients with no evidence of systemic envenomation from potential side effects of antivenom.

Clinical efficacy of antivenom and cepharanthine for the treatment of Mamushi (Gloydius blomhoffii) bites in tertiary care centers in Japan.

To our knowledge, no one has conducted a multi-center trial evaluating the efficacy of antivenom and cepharanthine (CEP) for the treatment of mamushi (Gloydius blomhoffii) bites. Thus, we conducted a large-scale survey among tertiary care centers in Japan from November 2009 to October 2010 to evaluate the efficacy of antivenom and CEP for the treatment of mamushi bites. We divided the therapeutic interventions received by patients into 4 groups: CEP, antivenom, both CEP and antivenom, and neither CEP nor antivenom. We collected data on age, sex, comorbidities, laboratory measurements, length of hospital stay, and grades of mamushi bites (indication of bite severity ranged from I [mild] to V [severe]). We sent questionnaires to 219 tertiary care centers, of which 114 (52.1%) returned completed questionnaires. Two hundred and thirty-four cases of mamushi bites were reported. Among the severe cases (grades of mamushi bites III, IV, and V), patients administered antivenom had a significantly shorter length of hospital stay than those administered CEP (P = 0.024). In contrast, there was no significant difference in the length of hospital stay between mild cases (grades of mamushi bites I and II) (P = 0.77). Our results show that antivenom is effective in reducing the length of hospital stay in patients with severe mamushi bites.

Risk factors for high-grade envenomations after French viper bites in children.

BACKGROUND: Viper bites and subsequent evolution to severe envenomations are more frequent in children. AIM: The aims of this study were to describe the clinical, biological, and therapeutic characteristics of children bitten by vipers in France and to identify risk factors associated with severe envenomations. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted between 2001 and 2009 in the pediatric emergency department of a tertiary-level children hospital. Collected data were age and sex of children; day and time of admission; day, time, and circumstances of the accident; snake identification; bite location; envenomation severity; presence of fang marks; prehospital care; use of specific immunotherapy and associated treatments; length of stay; and hospital course. RESULTS: Fifty-eight children were included (43 boys, 15 girls). The mean age was 7.8 ± 4.1 years. Bites were most often located on the lower extremities (77%). The classification of envenomation was: 83% low grade (absence or minor envenomation) and 17% high-grade (moderate to severe envenomations). All high-grade envenomations received specific immunotherapy (Viperfav). Being bitten on an upper extremity (P < 0.001), during the afternoon (P = 0.025), feeling violent pain (P = 0.037), and high initial glucose level (P = 0.016) were associated with a significant risk of high-grade envenomation. In the multivariate analysis, 3 factors remained significant: upper-extremity location (relative risk [RR], 60.5 [3.5-1040]; P = 0.005), immediate violent pain (RR, 21.5 [1.3-364.5]; P = 0.03), and female sex (RR, 17.5 [0.9-320.3]; P = 0.053). CONCLUSIONS: A certain number of criteria seem related to more significant risk of progression to high-grade envenomation. Bites to the upper extremities should be carefully observed because of the risk of evolution to a high-grade envenomation.

[Epidemiological, clinical and therapeutics aspects of snakebites in the Gabriel-Touré and Kati national hospitals of Mali: a ten-year retrospective study]. / Aspects épidémiologiques, cliniques et thérapeutiques des morsures de serpent dans les hôpitaux nationaux Gabriel-Touré et de Kati du Mali: étude rétrospective sur dix ans.

A retrospective study has been performed on snakebites from January 1993 to December 2002 in the national hospitals Gabriel-Touré, in Bamako, and Kati. It aimed to establish a synthesis of epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic aspects from snakebites. Eight hundred thirty-two snakebites were recorded during this period. Men were mostly represented: 72 versus 28% of women. The average age was 28 ± 18 years. Farmers were most affected (28%). Most bites occurred between 16 and 20 hours, during the fieldwork and pasture in 44% cases. Lower limbs (73.8%) were more involved than hands (25.8%). Although the type of snake has not been determined, the clinical picture was that of viper syndrome, the severity of which was assessed by the grade of bleeding, edema, renal involvement (15.8%), and neurological disorders (13.3%). Antivenom was administered to 40.6% of patients whose case fatality rate was 2.8%, whereas it was 8.1% in its absence. The case fatality rate associated with serum therapy varied according to the antivenin, 1.5% with the antivenoms manufactured in Europe and 4% with those manufactured in Asia. Five parturients had a favorable outcome with antivenom. The initial management was carried out by traditional healers in 49.7% of cases. The annual case fatality rate decreased gradually from 12% in 1995 to 3% in 2002. The incidence of snakebite is greatly underestimated in hospitals because of inadequate records.

Epidemiology of the reported severity of copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) snakebite.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to analyze trends in the annual rates of reported medical outcomes of US copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) snakebites published in the annual reports of the American Association of Poison Control Centers in the course of 26 years. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of medical outcomes for copperhead snakebite victims who developed fatal, major, moderate, minor, or no effects. The annual rates for these medical outcomes were calculated by dividing the annual number of patients in each outcome category by the total annual number of people reported as being bitten by copperheads. Poisson and negative binomial regression were used to examine trends in annual rates. RESULTS: From 1983 through 2008, the incidence rate of copperhead snakebites causing no effect significantly decreased by 12.1%/year (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.879; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.848-0.911]. From 1985 through 2008, the incidence rate of minor outcomes significantly decreased by 2.3%/year (IRR 0.977; 95% CI 0.972-0.981), whereas the rate of moderate outcomes significantly increased by 2.8%/year (IRR 1.028; 95% CI 1.024-1.033). The rate of major outcomes did not significantly change. One fatality was reported in 2001. CONCLUSIONS: Annual rates of copperhead snakebites producing no effects and minor outcomes significantly decreased, those producing moderate outcomes significantly increased, and those producing major outcomes did not significantly change in a 26-year period.

Perfil epidemiológico dos acidentes ofídicos no Estado da Paraíba, Brasil, 2005 a 2010 / Epidemiological profile of snake bites in the State of Paraiba, Brazil, 2005 to 2010

OBJETIVO: caracterizar o perfil clínico-epidemiológico dos acidentes ofídicos no estado da Paraíba, Brasil, no período 2005-2010. MÉTODOS: estudo transversal descritivo sobre dados obtidos do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação da Secretaria de Estado de Saúde. RESULTADOS: foram notificados 3.033 casos no período, com média de 505,5 casos/ano; a incidência anual do período foi de 13,7 casos/100 mil habitantes; a maior frequência de casos foi no sexo masculino (76,0 por cento); a faixa etária que apresentou maior risco foi a dos 60-64 anos (18,9 casos/100 mil hab.); a maioria dos casos ocorreu entre maio e agosto (43,1 por cento), em grande parte causados pelo gênero Bothrops (jararaca) (83,0 por cento); 122 (4,0 por cento) foram classificados como casos graves e 18 (0,6 por cento) evoluíram para óbito. CONCLUSÃO: os meses de maior índice pluviométrico (maio a agosto) foram os que apresentaram maior número de casos; a evolução para cura foi o desfecho mais comum; os acidentes de grau leve predominaram.

OBJECTIVE: to characterize clinical and epidemiological profile of snakebites in the state of Paraíba, Brazil, in the period 2005-2010. METHODS: a cross-sectional descriptive study based on data obtained in the Information System for Notifiable Diseases, of the State Health Secretariat. RESULTS: 3,033 cases were reported in the period, with an average of 505.5 cases/year; the annual incidence of the period was 13.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants; the higher frequency of cases was in male gender (76.0 per cent); the age group with highest risk was 60-64 years (18.9 cases per 100,000 inhab.); most cases occurred between May and August (43.1 per cent) and the genus Bothrops (pit viper) caused most of these (83.0 per cent); 122 were classified as severe cases (4.0 per cent) and 18 (0.6 per cent) died. CONCLUSION: months of greatest rainfall (May to August) presented highest number of cases; cure was the most common outcome; accidents of mild degree predominated.

Allopurinol reduces the lethality associated with acute renal failure induced by Crotalus durissus terrificus snake venom: comparison with probenecid

Acute renal failure is one of the most serious complications of envenoming resulting from Crotalus durissus terrificus bites. This study evaluated the relevance of hyperuricemia and oxidative stress and the effects of allopurinol and probenecid in renal dysfunction caused by direct nephrotoxicity of C. d. terrificus venom.

Forensic diagnosis and classification of snakebite (neurotoxic and haemotoxic) from renal changes at autopsy: morphological and histological determinants using a semi-quantitative method.

Mortality due to poisonous snakebite is an emerging public health concern. Of late, snakebite has drawn global attention. Snakebite is a well-known cause of renal pathology especially in the haemotoxic group. Deaths due to renal failure are very common in envenomation due to poisonous snakebite. In this investigation our aim was to devise autopsy-proven diagnostic criteria of snakebite from the renal changes to confirm and classify the type of snakebite in forensic casework. That would be of practical help to the forensic pathologist with access to limited resources. An arbitrary scoring system from histology was adopted for the present semi-quantitative analysis. The scoring system (with scores from 0 to 5) developed by the present study was effective, valid and was able to distinguish between snakebite and control. The score obtained at histology in cases of snakebite was significantly different from the control group (Mann-Whitney U = 71.5; P = 0.011). Using stepwise linear discriminant function (DF) analysis, the score (Mukhopadhyay's score [MS]) was seen to be the only predictor of the type of snakebite. This model (DF = 1.05 x MS-1.78) could correctly classify 93.3% of the cases into neurotoxic and haemotoxic variety of offending snake. This is an effective, cheap and easy semi-quantitative method of distinguishing neurotoxic and haematoxic snakes from the renal changes at autopsy. It would be useful for practical application in centres where sophisticated biochemical or immunological analyses are not available due to limited resources.

[Profile of snakebite accidents in the north of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil]. / Perfil dos acidentes ofídicos no norte do Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil.

The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological profile of snakebite accidents in the healthcare macroregion of the north of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Database information on snakebite accidents covering the period from January 2002 to December 2006 was analyzed. It was found that 10,553 cases were notified, and that the samples were noticeably larger in the months of hot and rainy weather, in urban areas (54.1%), at ages less then 20 years (39.7%) and among men and students (53.1% and 29.1%) respectively. The lower limbs (feet, toes, legs and thighs) were the locations most affected (35.9%). The most prevalent snakes were in the genus Bothrops (82.9%) and most of the accidents were mild (66.2%). In this study, it was seen that the seasonality, urbanization and undernotification of the species involved in these accidents had a notable impact, along with seeking walk-in care. It is expected that the new data obtained from this sample may serve as the substrate for planning and implementing measures for healthcare surveillance.