Impact of snake bites and determinants of fatal outcomes in southeastern Nepal.

Current available data on snake bites in Nepal are based solely on hospital statistics. This community-based study aimed at evaluating the impact of snake bites and determining the risk factors associated with a fatal outcome in southeastern Nepal. A total of 1,817 households, selected by a random proportionate sampling method, were visited by trained field workers in five villages. Extensive data from snake bite victims during the 14 previous months were recorded and analyzed. One hundred forty-three snake bites including 75 bites with signs of envenoming were reported (annual incidence = 1,162/100,000 and 604/100,000, respectively), resulting in 20 deaths (annual mortality rate = 162/100,000). Characteristics of krait bites such as bites occurring inside the house, while resting, and between midnight and 6:00 am were all factors associated with an increased risk of death, as were an initial consultation with a traditional healer, a long delay before transport, and a lack of available transport. An initial transfer to a specialized treatment center and transport by motorcycle were strong protective factors. Among the 123 survivors, wounds required dressing and surgery in 30 (24%) and 10 (8%) victims, respectively, the mean working incapacity period was 15 days, and the mean out-of-pocket expense was 69 U.S. dollars. Snake bite is a major but neglected public health problem in southeastern Nepal. Public health interventions should focus on improving victims' rapid access to anti-snake venom serum by promoting immediate and fast transport to adequate treatment centers, particularly for bites occurring at night.