Community management of snakebite cases in the area of ​​the community and university health center (CSCom U) in Segue, Mali

Abstract

Introduction: The snake bite is a public health problem, one of the neglected pathologies according to the WHO. The objective was to assess the management of snake bites in rural areas. Material and methods: This was a prospective study that took place over a 12-month period from January 1 to December 31, 2020 in the area of ​​the community and university health center (CSCom-U) of Segue. Results: We recorded 25 cases of bite, including 10 cases (40%) in the center and 15 (60%) in the community. The 15-30 age group was the most affected (40%), the male was 64%; growers were the most affected with 36% of cases. The bush, the rainy season and the field work were risk factors for the bite with respectively 76%, 64% and 40%. We recorded 100% recovery, including only one case with sequelae that had been treated traditionally. Conclusion: Snake bite is a quite neglected event in our health programs, very often victims resort to traditional care, and the use of antivenom is the treatment of choice. The availability at the local level of anti-venomous, the continuous training of health workers, and the education of the population must be in order to improve community management of snakebite envenomation.

Keywords: Management, snake bite, CSCom U Segue, Mali