I read a headline about snake bites being a neglected global health crisis last weekend.
In this episode I talk to Robert Williams, an MSc candidate in Global Health at Brighton & Sussex Medical School, about the global snakebite crisis. We explore his interest in the subject, his fieldwork in Uganda and the implications of taking snake bites seriously as a global health priority. Robert also gives some tips on what to do if you or a friend is bitten by a snake.
https://provocateurpodcast.com/2017/01/24/robert-williams-snake-bites-as-a-global-health-priority/
Some stats from the World Health Organization about the global snake bite crisis.
At least 100 000 people die as a result of snake bites each year, and around three times as many amputations and other permanent disabilities are caused by snakebites annually.
Bites by venomous snakes can cause paralysis that may prevent breathing; bleeding disorders that can lead to a fatal haemorrhage; irreversible kidney failure and tissue damage that can cause permanent disability and which may result in limb amputation.
Agricultural workers and children are the most affected. Children often suffer more severe effects than adults, due to their smaller body mass.
Global situation
Snake bite is a neglected public health issue in many tropical and subtropical countries. About 5 million snake bites occur each year, resulting in up to 2.5 million envenomings (poisoning from snake bites)1, at least 100 000 2,3 deaths and around three times as many amputations and other permanent disabilities.1
Most of these occur in Africa, Asia and Latin America.2 In Africa alone there are an estimated 1 million snake bites annually with about half needing treatment. This type of injury is often found among women, children and farmers in poor rural communities in low- and middle-income countries. It is mainly in countries where health systems are weakest and medical resources sparse.
Bites by venomous snakes can cause acute medical emergencies involving severe paralysis that may prevent breathing; bleeding disorders that can lead to fatal haemorrhage; irreversible kidney failure and severe local tissue destruction that can cause permanent disability and may result in limb amputation. Children suffer more severe effects than adults due to their smaller body mass.
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs337/en/
This does not surprise me. I am glad I do not have to take precautions against poisonous snakes.
I don't venture too far from the beaches in Central America. If you wander into the rainforests, you should be careful.
We live with them here...but we're well acquainted with how to co-habit safely and how to respond to snake bite. We've had lethal snakes in our yard, and pool.
Quote from: "Bricktop"
Same in Arizona. Most people know how to co-habitate with snakes.
Quote from: "Fashionista"
At least 100 000 people die as a result of snake bites each year, and around three times as many amputations and other permanent disabilities are caused by snakebites annually.
Bites by venomous snakes can cause paralysis that may prevent breathing; bleeding disorders that can lead to a fatal haemorrhage; irreversible kidney failure and tissue damage that can cause permanent disability and which may result in limb amputation.
Agricultural workers and children are the most affected. Children often suffer more severe effects than adults, due to their smaller body mass.
Global situation
Snake bite is a neglected public health issue in many tropical and subtropical countries. About 5 million snake bites occur each year, resulting in up to 2.5 million envenomings (poisoning from snake bites)1, at least 100 000 2,3 deaths and around three times as many amputations and other permanent disabilities.1
Most of these occur in Africa, Asia and Latin America.2 In Africa alone there are an estimated 1 million snake bites annually with about half needing treatment. This type of injury is often found among women, children and farmers in poor rural communities in low- and middle-income countries. It is mainly in countries where health systems are weakest and medical resources sparse.
Bites by venomous snakes can cause acute medical emergencies involving severe paralysis that may prevent breathing; bleeding disorders that can lead to fatal haemorrhage; irreversible kidney failure and severe local tissue destruction that can cause permanent disability and may result in limb amputation. Children suffer more severe effects than adults due to their smaller body mass.
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs337/en/
Common sense is not so common in the countries where most snake bites occur.
Quote from: "Bricktop"
That must give you a fright when that happens..
What do you do in those instances?
Well, if they're in the pool, fish them out and dump them over the fence.
If they're just passing through the yard, remain still and let them go on their way. As long as you don't startle them, they have no interest in biting what they can't eat.
Quote from: "Bricktop"
Neighbours problem. :laugh3:
That's probably where it came from in the first place!!!!
Nah, we're backed onto bushland. Back to the bush they go.
Quote from: "Bricktop"
Nah, we're backed onto bushland. Back to the bush they go.
What do you use to grab them and release them into the bush?
Pool net. Very effective.
Quote from: "Bricktop"
I could see that being an effective tool.
Look, people in shithole countries die from a ton of things every day...
This is what happens when you are third world, live amongst a billion or two other third worlders, and KEEP POPPING OUT FUCKING KIDS LIKE RABBITS!
Fash, dying from a snakebite is the least of their concerns. They cannot even feed their ten fucking kids, nor even have clean water to drink.
These people are hopeless, trust me... They do not learn, as they are primitive and not capable of doing so.
The more that die, the better off are those that remain.
THIS is how nature works... You cannot interfere. And money won't help them.
Quote from: "Angry White Male"
This is what happens when you are third world, live amongst a billion or two other third worlders, and KEEP POPPING OUT FUCKING KIDS LIKE RABBITS!
Fash, dying from a snakebite is the least of their concerns. They cannot even feed their ten fucking kids, nor even have clean water to drink.
These people are hopeless, trust me... They do not learn, as they are primitive and not capable of doing so.
THIS is how nature works... You cannot interfere. And money won't help them.
Some people feel that way about alcoholics in first world nations.
I feel that way also, Fash! The more junkies that die, the better anyhow... One less leach on taxpayers dollars... Besides, they don't want to stop doing what they're doing anyhow, so how can you help those that don't want to be helped?
And if you're referencing me, it's really starting to get old, you stupid bitch. Over and over again, between you and that fag Iron Horse. Obviously something faulty with your brain.
I run a fucking business, and am successful in life. Moreso than most people are, to be quite honest.