Perfil epidemiológico dos acidentes por animais peçonhentos em Presidente Tancredo Neves, Bahia

Abstract

Introduction: Venomous animals are those that produce or modify a toxic substance and inject it into their prey or predators. They are feared by humans and have historically been seen as a threat. They represent a public health problem due to the high incidence, severity and sequelae caused by injuries, in addition to being responsible for a significant mortality rate worldwide. Objective: To describe the occurrence of accidents caused by venomous animals in the municipality of Presidente Tancredo Neves, Bahia, from 2010 to 2014, comparing this indicator with those observed in the state of Bahia and in Brazil. In addition, to study the distribution of the event under analysis in the population of Presidente Tancredo Neves. Method: Quantitative descriptive study, carried out in the municipality of Presidente Tancredo Neves, Bahia. Information was collected from the Ministry of Health through the Notifiable Diseases Information System – SINAN of the Department of Informatics – DATASUS. Results: The municipality stands out in the region due to its high accident rate. The event under study mainly affects people between 15 and 69 years of age, with a predominance of males. Snakes were responsible for the highest incidence of accidents. Conclusion: The results reveal an incidence rate higher than that measured in Bahia and Brazil. More rigorous studies are suggested to better understand the dynamics of the occurrence of accidents caused by venomous animals in the municipality under study.