Snake envenomations in western Chongqing: a case series

Background Venomous snakebites pose a significant public health concern in rural China, particularly in regions like western Chongqing.Objective This study investigates the epidemiological patterns and clinical characteristics of venomous snakebite incidents in western Chongqing, China.Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on snakebite cases admitted to our hospital between March and September 2023.Results Among 127 cases, males (58%) and rural residents (71%) were most affected. Gloydius brevicaudus (short-tailed pit viper) and Protobothrops mucrosquamatus (Chinese habu) were identified as the predominant venomous species. Most patients (72%) received medical care within 4 hours post-bite, and antivenom was administered in 99% of cases. No fatalities or major complications were observed.Conclusions The findings underscore the efficacy of prompt medical management and antivenom therapy in snakebite cases.