SNAKE BITES IN KENYA - A PRELIMINARY SURVEY OF 4 AREAS

Primary data were collected on the incidence, severity and species res ponsible for snake bites in 4 areas of Kenya: (i) Kakamega and western Kenya, (ii) Lake Baringo and Laikipia, (iii) Kilifi and Malindi, and (iv) northern Kenya. The overall average frequency of snake bite was 1 3.8 per 100000 population per year (range 1.9-67.9). The minimum rate of snake bite mortality was 0.45/100000/year. Thirty-four of the 50 un its visited reported no knowledge of death from snake bite in the last 5 years. Possible reasons for the low estimates are discussed. Tradit ional treatments were common, especially the use of herbal remedies an d incisions at the wound site.