***Posted by the BLBC automatic Reptile News Feed***

Snakebites a public health problem in Africa

One and a half million people per year are poisoned by snake venom in Sub-Saharan Africa. An IRD researcher recently analysed around 100 surveys and medical reports published over the past 40 years. No large-scale study of the situation had hitherto been conducted and public health authorities had underestimated the size of the problem. This means that currently only 10% of victims are treated, owing to a shortage of antivenoms* and lack of awareness among health care practitioners. Yet the clinical complications can be very serious, even fatal. A bite from a cobra or mamba can bring on death by asphyxia --- due to respiratory paralysis --- within 6 hours of the incident. Venom injected by the ocellated carpet viper, common in the African savannah, can cause hemorrhages leading to the victim's death in a few days. This new study provides authorities with more detailed and reliable figures which should enable them to readjust their health-care services in better tune with needs.

Read full article here... (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110909111639.htm)

Shocking but fascinating study.

Dan

Seems a fella would do well milking venomous snakes for the antivenin trade in Africa. I've always been under the impression that Africa was number one in deaths and injuries from venomous bites but until this article I hadn't seen any stats. It's actually pretty horendous isn't it? Might help if they'd quit runnin' round in their bare feets too :dunno:. Thanks for this one Larry.