Citation

Konings M, Maharajh HD, Gopeesingh S. J. Rural Trop. Public Health 2007; 6: 1-5.

Affiliation

Department of adult psychiatry, Mental Health Care / GGZ Oost-Brabant, location Helmond, the Netherlands; Psychiatry Unit, Dept of Clinical Medical Sciences, Champ Fleurs, Mt. Hope Trinidad; Accident and Emergency Dept, General Hospital, San Fernando.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Anton Breinl Centre, School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine and Rehabilitation Sciences, James Cook University)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Injuries caused by arthropods, reptiles and marine organisms are a major cause of morbidity and a burden to the health care providers in developing countries. Epidemiological data in published studies are sparse and this is the first study with previously unpublished data on this important public health issue from an under-reported region. This study was a hospital based study that investigated the rates, time of the year, age, gender, ethnicity and outcome of patients with bites and stings in rural regions of Southern Trinidad. Injury data were retrospectively collected from the Accident and Emergency Service of the San Fernando General Hospital. Data were used from computerized data files of two most recent calendar years that were available, which were 2003 and 2004. These demographical data were analyzed using SPSS and the Chi-square test determined levels of significance. A total of 1,289 cases of relevant bites and stings were reported during these two years, giving an incidence rate of 12.9/10,000 population. Scorpion and bee stings together were responsible for the majority of venomous bite and sting presentations and were significantly over-represented amongst males, when compared with females and with all other categories of bites and stings (X2=11.3, p=0.01). Most victims were 18 to 34 years old and there was a peak incidence of bites and stings during April to June, corresponding with the start of the raining season. The majority of patients were treated and discharged in good health. Snake bites and scorpion stings were generally admitted to the wards. One death was reported for a non specified insect bite and two cases of long term disability were also mentioned. These injuries are prevalent in the emergency service in Southern Trinidad and justify an urgent need for the implementation of a public health policy of education, information and prevention. Bites and stings from arthropods, reptiles and marine organisms are a major public health problem that contribute significantly to morbidity and health care costs.

Language: en