Prevalence of snake bites in Kangar District Hospital, Perlis, west Malaysia: a retrospective study (January 1999-December 2000).

Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health

Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Published: December 2004

AI Article Synopsis

  • * Most cases occurred among Malays (60.2%) and predominantly affected males (60.2%), with a significant number in the 10-19 age group (33%).
  • * The highest incidence of snake bites took place between 2 PM and 9 PM (47.6%), and the most commonly identified snakes were common cobras (73%) and Malayan pit vipers (24%).

Article Abstract

The records of 284 snake bite cases presenting to the Kangar District Hospital, Perlis, west Malaysia, from January 1999 till December 2000 were carefully reviewed. Data on prevalence and types of snake bites, were recorded. The majority of the cases were among Malays (60.2%), followed by Chinese (16.9%), Indians (13%), and others which include Thai nationals, army personnel from Sabah and Sarawak, and foreign tourists (9.8%). A higher incidence was found in males (60.2%) and most cases were seen in the age group of 10-19 years (33%). Snake bites were more common between 2 PM and 9 PM (47.6%) and from 7 AM to 2 PM (33.4%). The snakes were positively identified in 68 cases, of which 50 were common cobras (Naja naja) (73%), 16 were Malayan pit vipers (Agkistrodon rhodostoma) (24%) and two were sea-snakes (3%).

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