Addressing snakebite envenoming as a One Health issue in the Caribbean
Rev Panam Salud Publica
; 48, ene. 2024
Article
in English
| PAHO-IRIS
| ID: phr-59158
Responsible library:
US1.1
ABSTRACT
The prevalence of snakebite envenoming and its understated impact on health and socioeconomic well-being in the Caribbean demand urgent attention. As a One Health challenge, this issue intersects human, animal, and environmental health, necessitating a multifaceted approach for comprehensive management. Despite the Caribbean’s rich biodiversity and cultural mosaic, there is a scarcity of data on the epidemiology and impact of snakebites in the region. This gap in knowledge, coupled with the absence of systematic records or survey-based studies, hampers the development of effective interventions. In countries such as Belize, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago, among others, venomous snakes pose a significant threat, particularly to those in rural agricultural settings. Snakebite envenoming not only inflicts a direct health burden, evidenced by high rates of mortality and morbidity among humans, but also precipitates profound financial repercussions. The cost of clinical management for those affected and the loss of productivity due to long-term sequelae are considerable. Moreover, the impact on domestic animals, primarily livestock, translates into tangible economic losses for rural households, who rely on these animals for sustenance and income.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
Databases of international organizations
Database:
PAHO-IRIS
Main subject:
Snake Bites
/
Environmental Health
/
Caribbean Region
Type of study:
Risk factors
Language:
English
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article