INTRODUCTION

A snakebite is an injury caused by the bite of a snake, especially a venomous

snake. A common sign of a bite from a venomous snake is the presence of
two puncture wounds from the animal's fangs. Usually, people know right away if
a snake has bitten them. However, these animals can strike quickly and disappear
before people have time to react. Most snake bites can cause pain and swelling
around the bite. Those that are venomous may also cause fever, a headache,
convulsions, and numbness. However, these symptoms can also occur due to
intense fear following the bite. Bites can cause an allergic reaction in some people,
which may include anaphylaxis.

Snake venom is produced in modified parotid glands normally responsible for

secreting saliva. It is stored in structures called alveoli behind the animal's eyes,
and ejected voluntarily through its hollow tubular fangs. Venom is composed of
hundreds to thousands of different proteins and enzymes, all serving a variety of
purposes, such as interfering with a prey's cardiac system or increasing tissue
permeability so that venom is absorbed faster. The strength of venom differs
markedly between species and even more so between families, as measured
by median lethal dose (LD50) in mice. Subcutaneous LD50 varies by over 140-fold
within elapids and by more than 100-fold in vipers. The amount of venom
produced also differs among species, with the Gaboon viper able to potentially
deliver from 450–600 milligrams of venom in a single bite, the most of any snake.

Prevention of snake bites can involve wearing protective footwear, avoiding areas
where snakes live, and not handling snakes. Treatment partly depends on the type
of snake. Washing the wound with soap and water and holding the limb still is
recommended. Trying to suck out the venom, cutting the wound with a knife, or
using a tourniquet is not recommended. Antivenom is effective at preventing death
from bites; however, antivenoms frequently have side effects. The type of
antivenom needed depends on the type of snake involved. When the type of snake
is unknown, antivenom is often given based on the types known to be in the
area. In some areas of the world getting the right type of antivenom is difficult and
this partly contributes to why they sometimes do not work. An additional issue is
the cost of these medications. Antivenom has little effect on the area around the
bite itself
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 5 million snakebites
occur each year, resulting in up to 2.7 million envenomings. Published reports
suggest that between 81,000 and 138,000 deaths occur each year. Snakebite
envenoming causes as many as 400,000 amputations and other permanent
disabilities. Many snakebites go unreported, often because victims seek treatment
from non-medical sources or do not have access to health care. As a result it is
believed that many cases of snakebite go unreported

Therefore, due to the dreaded effects it can cause, a serious study on the symptoms,
treatment and the reported cases on ‘snake bites and snake venom’ is essential.