Analysis of News Media-Reported Snakebite Envenoming in Nepal during 2010-2022.

• Published in: PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases
• Main Authors: Deb P Pandey, Narayan B Thapa
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Public Library of Science (PLoS) 2023
• Subjects: Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0011572; https://doaj.org/article/1d76b101310c47109357918d7d06d638

Background Snakebite envenoming is a well-known medical emergency in the Terai of Nepal in particular. However, there is an epidemiological knowledge gap. The news media data available online provide substantial information on envenomings. Assessing this information can be a pristine approach for understanding snakebite epidemiology and conducting knowledge-based interventions. We firstly analyzed news media-reported quantitative information on conditions under which bites occur, treatment-seeking behavior of victims, and outcomes of snakebite envenomings in Nepal. Methodology/principal findings We analyzed 308 Nepalese snakebite envenomed cases reported in 199 news media articles published between 2010 and 2022 using descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon, and Chi-square tests to know why and how victims were bitten, their treatment-seeking behavior, and the outcomes. These envenomated cases known with substantial information represented 48 districts (mostly located in the Terai region) of Nepal. These envenomings mostly occurred in residential areas affecting children. Generally, envenomings among males and females were not significantly different. But, in residential areas, females were more envenomed than males. Further, victims' extremities were often exposed to venomous snakebites while their active status and these episodes often occurred at night while victims were passive during snakebites indoors and immediate surroundings of houses. Snakebite deaths were less among referred than non-referred cases, males than females, and while active than passive conditions of victims. Conclusion/significance The most of reported envenomed patients were children, and most envenomings were due to cobra bites. Consultation with traditional healers complicated snakebite management. In most cases, deaths that occur without medical interventions are a severe snakebite consequence in Nepal. Further, several deaths in urban areas and mountains and higher hills of Nepal suggest immediate need of snakebite management interventions ...