WEST NILE –
Medical personnel in West Nile have expressed worry about the elevated number of snakebite cases reported at healthcare centers throughout the area.
During a two-day regional annual combined performance evaluation visit in Moyo district on Thursday and Friday of last week, George Wandega, the regional biostatistician from Yumbe Regional Referral Hospital, mentioned that 645 cases of snakebites were recorded throughout Yumbe, Koboko, Moyo, Adjuman, and Obongi districts.
The seminar was arranged by Yumbe Regional Referral Hospital together with the Ministry of Health.
Wandega reported 247 cases, while Adjuman recorded 200, making them the top two areas for snake bites in West Nile.
Other areas included Koboko with 77 cases, Moyo having 63, and Obongi reporting 58. Dr. Patrick Odongo, head of the Yumbe Regional Referral Hospital, mentioned that the majority of snakebites occurred in children, then women and men.
He mentioned that the majority of incidents involving children took place during searches for wildlife, particularly rats. Odongo noted that in certain areas, kids inspect burrows for rats, which are considered a treat, but often end up being bitten by snakes.
Every time we get reports of snakebite incidents, the parents mention that the kids were searching for mice,” he explained. “They usually put their hands into tiny openings, believing they’re catching rodents, but end up getting bit by snakes instead.
Odongo mentioned that kids are also bitten by snakes found along wooded trails near houses and educational institutions.
Regarding adult cases, he mentioned that the majority occur when individuals are in the garden performing agricultural tasks like digging, weeding, and collecting crops.
He said that incidents increase during the dry season as snakes come out searching for cooler areas to mate.
Shortage of anti-venom
Dr. Patrick Odongo, head of Yumbe Regional Referral Hospital, mentioned that while snakebites are frequent in West Nile, many smaller healthcare centers lack antivenom treatments for those affected.
He said due to the big number of cases coming from the lower facilities, there are frequent stock-outs of the particular anti-venom.
“Anti-venom is available only at certain designated healthcare centers, particularly general hospitals. If someone is bitten by a very venomous snake, they often succumb quickly,” he stated.
Odongo mentioned that certain victims die because of the considerable distance separating their residences from medical centers.
Some private healthcare centers possess antivenins, yet these are prohibitively costly for the local population. Dr. Franklin Amuli, the health official from Moyo district, stated that only Moyo Hospital is equipped with antivenom in his region.
He mentioned that because of the significant demand for antivenom, there is an urgent requirement to boost the quantity available at healthcare centers throughout West Nile.
Agnes Chandia, the nursing and midwifery commissioner within the Ministry of Health, urged increased public education to address the rising number of snakebite incidents. “Key players must not simply remain passive and solely await patient admissions.”
“We ought to visit the community and educate them on preventive actions they can take, like removing weeds and involving kids in different activities instead of rat-hunting,” she stated.
The district administrator from Obongi, Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka, urged medical personnel to educate local populations regarding snakebites. He called on the government to supply additional antivenom at every health center III to avoid fatalities.
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