Background: Snakebite remains a major public health issue in rural India, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological and clinical profile of snakebite cases in a tertiary care hospital. Methods:Aretrospective observational study was conducted at Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences from January to December 2024. Atotal of 562 patients with suspected or confirmed snakebite were analyzed for demographic data, clinical features, complications, and outcomes. Results: Most patients were males (68.3%), primarily in the 31–50 age group. Farmers were the most affected (57.4%). Bites occurred predominantly on lower limbs (86.1%), mostly during monsoon evenings. Hemotoxic envenomation (31.7%) was more common than neurotoxic (15.8%). ASV was administered in 68.3% of cases, with adverse reactions in 40.6%. Mortality was low (0.5%). Conclusion:Timely ASVadministration and supportive care resulted in favorable outcomes. Public awareness and improved rural healthcare access are key to reducing snakebite burden.
Pradeep et al. (Fri,) studied this question.