Geospatial and temporal pattern of reported snakebite cases to health facilities in the Savannah Region, Ghana, 2018 – 2022

Introduction: Snakebite is a neglected public health issue in tropical regions. Snakebite incidents in Sub-Saharan Africa are underreported. There is inadequate information on the snakebite burden in the Savannah Region of Ghana. Analysing snakebite surveillance data will help in planning appropriate control and prevention strategies. This study determined the magnitude, distribution and geographical variation of snakebites in the Savannah Region. Methods: We conducted a descriptive secondary data analysis of snakebites in the Savannah Region using 2018 to 2022 surveillance data extracted from the District Health Information Management System 2 database. Snakebite morbidity and mortality data on age, sex, district of reported bite, month and year were extracted. Statistical analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel version 2016 and ArcGIS version 10.4. Results were presented in tables, graphs and maps. Results: A total of 3,013 snakebite cases were recorded over the five-year period with an average incidence of 101 cases per 100,000 population [95% CI: 92.7 – 108.9]. Young adults aged 20-34 years were more affected, 30.8% [95% CI: 29.2 – 32.5]. The majority of snakebite cases were males, 67.3% [95% CI: 65.5 – 69.0]. The incidence declined over the period, with the highest, 118 per 100,000, recorded in 2019 and the lowest, 84 per 100,000, reported in 2022. The district cumulative incidence varied from 312 to 626 cases per 100,000 population in the East Gonja and Central Gonja Districts, respectively. The majority of snakebites occurred in the rainy season, 54.8% [95% CI: 53.0 – 56.6]. Eleven snakebite deaths were recorded with a case fatality rate of 0.4% (11/3,013). Conclusions: Snakebite incidence over the five-year period was high. Males and young adults were the most affected. Central Gonja District recorded the highest incidence of snakebites. The majority of snakebites occurred in the rainy season. Health workers should sensitize community members on the dangers of snakebites across the region and continue to enhance prevention initiatives during both dry and rainy seasons.