Snakebite in Nicoadala District, central Mozambique: a first assessment based on hospital records.

Abstract

Background: Despite the significant impact of snakebite on public health in the tropics, there is a notable lack of research on this topic in Mozambique. We present an assessment of snakebite incidence in Nicoadala District, central Mozambique.

Methods: We analysed hospital records of snakebite for a 6-y period (2015-2020). Data were obtained from registration books used in three health centres and descriptive statistics were generated to illustrate the results.

Results: Records document 430 reported cases of snakebite over the 6 y (71.7 per year). The highest incidence was in 2017 with 48.2 per 100 000 people. The month with the highest frequency of snakebite was January, with an average of 51.9 cases per 100 000. Women were 26.7% more likely to be bitten than men (125.8 vs 99.1 per 100 000). Furthermore, people aged 20-39 y had the highest incidence (99.1 per 100 000).

Conclusions: Most snakebite cases involved adult women and occurred in the months of November-January in 2016-18. While basic data allow for a preliminary assessment of snakebite incidence, our study was constrained by significant knowledge gaps. These include insufficient information on (1) patients' occupation and activity; (2) time and actions taken to seek medical attention; (3) acute or long-term symptoms; (4) treatments administered; (5) length of hospitalisation and clinical outcomes; and (6) the identity of the snake species responsible. This lack of detail underscores the need for training to standardise and improve clinical documentation of snakebite cases. In addition, community-focused snakebite education is a critical public health need that would likely save many lives.