26 reported cases of snakebites in Baringo, shows study

Twenty-six snakebite cases were reported in Baringo county between January and October this year, a study has shown.

The figure may be higher as the study was conducted based on snakebite reports in inpatient files at Marigat Subcounty Hospital. Many cases go unreported.

From the study, male victims accounted for 57.7 per cent of the cases. People around 17 years of age are the most affected.

The upper and lower limbs are among the most affected, accounting for 44 per cent.

Majority of the cases, 88 per cent, received anti-venom.

Snakebites are on the World Health Organization's list of neglected topical diseases. They are a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in most parts of the world.

Snakebites are neglected in Kenya. This is because there is low awareness of snakebites as a public health problem in the country.

Few studies have been carried out to evaluate the magnitude of the problem of snakebite in Kenya.

"The majority of snakebite incidences in Baringo county are reported in the first few months of the year mainly due to the weather. Additionally, there is a high incidence of undocumented snakebite coupled with poor health seeking behaviour among communities affected," Dr Robert Rono, a medical epidemiologist, said.

Head of Vector Borne and Neglected Tropical Diseases Sultani Matendechero said it is estimated that 50,000 snakebite cases take place in Kenya annually. Of the cases only 15,000 are reported.

"And even out of these reported cases, around 10,000 seek treatment when it is too late, accounting for around 800 deaths every year," Matendechero said.

Puff adders, black spitting cobras, black mambas and boomslang have been reported to be behind a majority of the snake bites in Kenya.

Experts are considering integrating traditional healers in the country in the treatment of snakebites.

They argue that even though medicinal plants have been overtaken in the treatment of snakebites and are rarely considered efficacious remedies, it is not easy to fight systems and change behavior.

"These people are more trusted in the community than doctors. We want to integrate them since they are the first point of contact," Rono said.

Rural inhabitants in places like Baringo rely on herbal medicine.

Past researches have shown the healers use a number of herbal and non-herbal remedies, including mystical therapies and 24 herbaceous plants whose aerial parts are preferred.

Treatments involve cut, suck and bind methods followed by the application of plant leaf and root poultices held in place with strips of cloth or bark.

"We want them trained in first aid while teaching them that getting the victims to hospital is equally important," he added.

Despite the constant need for snakebite treatment in the county’s hospitals, there is little training for medical staff and prevention work is limited.

Community health workers, who tend to be the first point of access in remote, rural areas, also lack training.

"There is a need to sensitise communities on the prevention of snakebites at community level. Health education on first aid management of snakebite pre-hospital care should also be carried out," Rono said.