Management of snakes' bites victims in the regional hospital of Gaoua in Burkina Faso

Abstract

In West Africa, the ophidian envenomations constitute a frequent medico-surgical emergency that has been identified both by health officers and the patients themselves or their circles. In order to improve the management of envenomization by snakes' bites, a survey took place in regional hospital of Gaoua in Burkina Faso. From July 1rst 2005 to June 30st 2006, 506 cases have been managed into the regional hospital of Gaoua. The median age was 23 years and the sex ratio M/W of 1.5. Half of the cases (49.41 %) consulted in the health centre within 6 hours after the bite. Most of the time snakes bite the legs of young men and women (94.47 %), bleeding and inflammation were localized. The mortality rate was low (1 %), Nevertheless, the reduction of consultation delays could lead to increase the case management effectiveness.