Snake Bite in Children: A Five Year Population Study from South-East Queensland

A consecutive series of 71 childhood snake bite incidents is reported. The children were admitted for suspected or confirmed snake bite to four hosptials in south-east Queensland in the 5-year period 1971–1975. Toddlers (1–3 years) constituted the most common age group involved. Information on predisposing factors leading to the bite was available in 33 cases; in 75% of these the children were not provoking the snake, which contrasts with the findings from adult series. The snake was seen in 58% of cases, and felt but not seen in a further 16%. Lay identification was made in 18% only. Definite puncture marks were present in 73% of cases. In 73% of victims there were no observed constitutional signs or symptoms whatsoever suggesting, in practice, that bites are generally by snakes of low potential danger. Seventeen per cent showed signs of envenomation. Antivenene was used in two cases. One fatality occurred, but the rest recovered without sequelae. In two of the 71 cases an effective tourniquet was applied.