Assessment of Snakebite Incidence and First Aid Management in Rural Communities in Borno State

Snakebite envenomation is a neglected tropical disease that claims thousands of lives annually in Nigeria, particularly in rural farming communities of the North East zone. This study assessed the incidence, circumstances, and first aid management of snakebite cases in rural farming communities in Biu LGA, Borno State, North East Nigeria. A retrospective community survey and facility record review was conducted over a 24-month period (2022 to 2023). Community household surveys were conducted in 200 randomly selected households, and medical records from one general hospital and two PHC facilities were reviewed. Data collected included number of cases, species involved where identified, body part affected, time from bite to treatment, first aid practices applied, outcomes, and access to antivenom. Community survey results identified 48 snakebite cases in 200 households over 24 months (annual incidence rate 12 per 100 persons). First aid practices were predominantly harmful, including incision and suction (54.2 percent of biters) and tourniquet application (41.7 percent). Formal healthcare facility attendance within six hours was achieved in only 39.6 percent of cases. Antivenom was available at the general hospital but stockouts occurred for three months during the review period. Two fatalities were documented among facility-attending cases, both involving delayed presentation. The study recommends community snakebite first aid education campaigns, guaranteed antivenom stockpiling at general hospitals in high-risk LGAs, and community health worker capacity to provide initial triage and transport coordination.

Keywords: snakebite, envenomation, first aid management, Borno State, neglected tropical disease