Eduardo Justiniano
September 19 l International Snakebite Awareness Day
Rio de Janeiro, September 19, 2024 (PANAFTOSA/VPH-PAHO/WHO) – September 19 was established in 2018 as International Snakebite Awareness Day through a coalition of organizations to raise awareness about the global impact of snakebite envenoming. The goal is to better understand the risks, learn about prevention, and recognize symptoms to address the severe consequences for most victims.
In the Americas, more than 57,000 people are bitten by snakes each year, with a fatality rate of 0.6% and serious sequelae in over 3% of the victims. However, the actual impact in the region could be even greater due to underreporting of cases. On a global scale, more than 5 million people suffer snakebites each year, with 130,000 fatalities and nearly 400,000 people suffering permanent disabilities, such as mobility limitations, chronic ulcers, or amputations.
Agricultural workers, young people, and children from impoverished rural populations are the most frequent victims. The effects of poisoning on the human body can vary widely, ranging from hemorrhages to neuromuscular paralysis and damage to vital organs.
Snakebite is considered the most lethal of the 20 neglected tropical diseases listed by the World Health Organization (WHO). In May 2018, a resolution was unanimously adopted urging governments around the world and the WHO to address the issue with the goal of reducing deaths by 50% by 2030. In 2019, the Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming was launched.
Since 2018, the Network of Public Laboratories Producing Antivenoms in Latin America (RELAPA), coordinated by PANAFTOSA, has been promoting, through technical cooperation, the capacity-building of public antivenom production laboratories in the countries of the Americas, aimed at expanding production capacity and quality.
Desde 2018, la Red de Laboratorios Públicos Productores de Antivenenos de América Latina (RELAPA), coordinada por PANAFTOSA, fomenta, a través de la cooperación técnica, el desarrollo de capacidades para los laboratorios públicos productores de antivenenos de los países de las Américas, para ampliar la capacidad y calidad de la producción.
Currently, 9 countries in the region (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela) have 13 public laboratories that produce and distribute antivenoms against venom from various venomous animals.
The Importance of Adequate Antivenom Supply
The adequate supply of antivenoms is vital to saving lives, preventing disabilities, and ensuring that rural communities have access to effective treatments in case of snakebites. To achieve timely availability, the Strategic Fund, in collaboration with PANAFTOSA, has identified a list of 32 required antivenoms for the countries in the region. This initiative includes identifying producers and establishing the necessary eligibility and quality criteria to support access to and availability of effective, safe, and high-quality antivenoms.
Collaboration between the Strategic Fund and PANAFTOSA is a crucial step toward improving public health in our communities. By identifying these antivenoms and ensuring their quality, we are one step closer to ensuring that all people, especially those in rural areas, have access to the treatments they need to effectively and safely address snakebites.
Prevention and Measures After a Snakebite Accident
More than 95% of snakebite accidents occur on the legs or arms, so it is necessary to take some precautions:
- Wear closed shoes or high boots.
- Pay attention to where you step or place your hands.
- Do not insert your hand into holes in trees or the ground.
In case of an accident, it is important to:
- Immobilize the leg or arm where the bite occurred.
- Wash the bite area with water and soap.
- Keep the injured area in a comfortable position.
- Do not apply a tourniquet or make cuts on the wound.
- Do not attempt to suck out the venom with your mouth.
- Remove jewelry (rings, bracelets, watches, etc.) or any object that may restrict circulation.
- Do not apply any substance to the wound (alcohol or medicinal herbs).
- Seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health center.
- If possible, take a photo of the snake to help identify the species.
Antivenoms are essential for the effective treatment of snakebites, especially in cases of severe envenomations. Most deaths and severe sequelae are completely preventable with greater availability and accessibility of safe and effective antivenoms. Treatment is a challenge in terms of management because it requires agility and effectiveness in primary care.
