Abstract

SARAIVA, Matheus Gurgel et al. Epidemiological profile of snake bites in the State of Paraiba, Brazil, 2005 to 2010. Epidemiol. Serv. Saúde [online]. 2012, vol.21, n.3, pp.449-456. ISSN 1679-4974.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5123/S1679-49742012000300010.

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%); 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%) and the genus Bothrops (pit viper) caused most ofthese (83.0%); 122 were classified as severe cases (4.0%) and 18 (0.6%) 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.

Keywords : Epidemiology; Epidemiology; Descriptive; Snake Bites; Bothrops.

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