New WHO Guidelines for the management of snakebites, second edition
‘Snakebites are well-known medical emergencies in many parts of the world, especially in rural areas. Agricultural workers and children are the most affected. The incidence of snakebite mortality is particularly high in South-East Asia. Rational use of snake anti-venom can substantially reduce mortality and morbidity due to snakebites. These guidelines are a revised and updated version of Regional Guidelines for the Management of snakebites published by the WHO Regional Office in South-East Asia in 2011. These guidelines aim to promote the rational management of snakebite cases in various health facilities where trained health functionaries and quality snake antivenom are available.’
http://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/249547
The title ‘Guidelines for the management of snakebites’ implies a global scope, but in fact this publication is specifically targeted to South East Asia. Are there equivalent guidelines for other regions, particularly Africa and the Americas?
Best wishes, Neil
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