Assessing the Epidemiological and Demographic Features and Clinical Outcomes of Snakebite Incidents in Khuzestan Province: A Descriptive Analysis

Abstract

Background: Snakebites represent a significant and complex medical emergency worldwide, with millions of cases reported annually. It is estimated that approximately 5.4 million snakebite incidents occur globally each year, resulting in 81,000 to 138,000 fatalities. The unique climatic conditions of Khuzestan provide an ideal habitat for a diverse array of snake species, including Vipera lebetina, Echis carinatus, and Pseudocerastes persicus. Clinical manifestations of snakebites vary widely, ranging from asymptomatic cases to severe local symptoms and even death. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the epidemiological, demographic, and clinical characteristics of envenomation snakebites among children and adults in Khuzestan province during the summer of 2019. Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study focused on adults and children admitted to Razi and Abouzar Hospitals in Ahvaz due to snakebites. Data collection involved reviewing clinical records and completing questionnaires to gather demographic, clinical, and epidemiological information. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 16. Results: During the summer of 2019, out of 90 snakebite cases, adults accounted for 75.6%, while children represented 24.4%. The age range of the patients varied from 2 to 84 years, with a mean age of 26.92 years. Notably, 74.4% of the victims were male, and 73.3% were rural residents. In 98.9% of cases, the snake species responsible for the bite remained unidentified, with only one case attributed to E. carinatus. The most common initial symptoms included pain (40%), swelling (35.6%), and a burning sensation (15.6%). Encouragingly, 78.9% of the patients did not require ICU admission, and no fatalities were recorded during the study period. Conclusions: The present study underscores the need for comprehensive awareness and intervention strategies to mitigate the impact of snakebites in Khuzestan. The high prevalence among adults and rural populations necessitates targeted educational and preventive strategies. Implementing community-based educational programs to teach first aid and prevention methods is crucial. Additionally, ongoing training for healthcare providers will ensure that patients receive timely and effective treatment, ultimately improving outcomes and reducing the burden of snakebites.