Epidemiology of snake bites and envenomations in the Bofidji Group – West, Equateur Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Introduction Snakebites are a major public health concern in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and tropical Africa, causing thousands of deaths and disabilities annually. Limited access to antivenom and modern healthcare forces rural communities to rely on traditional remedies. The high fr...
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Orapuh, Inc.
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Orapuh Journal |
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| Online Access: | https://www.orapuh.org/ojs/ojs-3.1.2-4/index.php/orapj/article/view/316 |
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| author | Blaise Engomba Mokekola Jean-Paul Koto-Te-Nyiwa Ngbolua Guy Bayeli Ilumbe Idrissa Zabo Assumani Aristarque Mulonda Monizi Mawunu Gires Mboyo Engomba Colette Ashande Masengo Godefroid Libono Ekamba |
| author_facet | Blaise Engomba Mokekola Jean-Paul Koto-Te-Nyiwa Ngbolua Guy Bayeli Ilumbe Idrissa Zabo Assumani Aristarque Mulonda Monizi Mawunu Gires Mboyo Engomba Colette Ashande Masengo Godefroid Libono Ekamba |
| author_sort | Blaise Engomba Mokekola |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description |
Introduction
Snakebites are a major public health concern in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and tropical Africa, causing thousands of deaths and disabilities annually. Limited access to antivenom and modern healthcare forces rural communities to rely on traditional remedies. The high frequency of snakebites, particularly in rural areas like the West Bofidji cluster in Equator Province, highlights the urgent need for epidemiological data to enhance prevention and treatment strategies.
Purpose
This study aimed to assess the prevalence of snakebites, identify affected groups, evaluate treatment methods, and analyse clinical outcomes in the West Bofidji cluster. The findings aim to inform healthcare strategies to reduce snakebite incidence and improve health outcomes.
Methods
A retrospective analysis of snakebite cases from 2019 to 2020 in Bofidji West was conducted. Data sources included medical records, community surveys, and health centre records, focusing on 329 affected individuals. A preliminary survey identified local herbalists and traditional healers as key participants.
Results
Snakebites were most prevalent among working-age adults, with women being disproportionately affected. The highest incidence occurred between January and July. Of the 329 individuals, 249 recovered, 37 experienced long-term effects, and 43 showed no recovery. Traditional treatments yielded mixed outcomes, with complications arising due to limited access to modern healthcare.
Conclusion
This study underscores the need for improved healthcare infrastructure and preventive strategies to effectively manage snakebites. While traditional treatments have value, their limitations highlight the importance of integrating modern healthcare practices and educating rural populations on prevention measures.
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| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-977b0937db6d4a08b1a934960a1460e1 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2644-3740 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | Orapuh, Inc. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Orapuh Journal |
| spelling | doaj-art-977b0937db6d4a08b1a934960a1460e12025-01-21T05:55:14ZengOrapuh, Inc.Orapuh Journal2644-37402025-01-016110.4314/orapj.v6i1.6Epidemiology of snake bites and envenomations in the Bofidji Group – West, Equateur Province, Democratic Republic of the CongoBlaise Engomba Mokekola0Jean-Paul Koto-Te-Nyiwa Ngbolua1Guy Bayeli Ilumbe2Idrissa Zabo Assumani3Aristarque Mulonda4Monizi Mawunu5Gires Mboyo Engomba6Colette Ashande Masengo7Godefroid Libono Ekamba8Institut Supérieur Pédagogique, Mbandaka, Democratic Republic of CongoUniversity of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the CongoNational Pedagogical University, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of CongoNational Pedagogical University, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of CongoNational Pedagogical University, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of CongoPolytechnic Institute of the University Kimpa Vita, AngolaInstitut Supérieur Pédagogique, Mbandaka, Democratic Republic of CongoHigher Institute of Medical Techniques, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the CongoBomongo Territory, Province of Equateur, Democratic Republic of the Congo Introduction Snakebites are a major public health concern in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and tropical Africa, causing thousands of deaths and disabilities annually. Limited access to antivenom and modern healthcare forces rural communities to rely on traditional remedies. The high frequency of snakebites, particularly in rural areas like the West Bofidji cluster in Equator Province, highlights the urgent need for epidemiological data to enhance prevention and treatment strategies. Purpose This study aimed to assess the prevalence of snakebites, identify affected groups, evaluate treatment methods, and analyse clinical outcomes in the West Bofidji cluster. The findings aim to inform healthcare strategies to reduce snakebite incidence and improve health outcomes. Methods A retrospective analysis of snakebite cases from 2019 to 2020 in Bofidji West was conducted. Data sources included medical records, community surveys, and health centre records, focusing on 329 affected individuals. A preliminary survey identified local herbalists and traditional healers as key participants. Results Snakebites were most prevalent among working-age adults, with women being disproportionately affected. The highest incidence occurred between January and July. Of the 329 individuals, 249 recovered, 37 experienced long-term effects, and 43 showed no recovery. Traditional treatments yielded mixed outcomes, with complications arising due to limited access to modern healthcare. Conclusion This study underscores the need for improved healthcare infrastructure and preventive strategies to effectively manage snakebites. While traditional treatments have value, their limitations highlight the importance of integrating modern healthcare practices and educating rural populations on prevention measures. https://www.orapuh.org/ojs/ojs-3.1.2-4/index.php/orapj/article/view/316Tropical ecosystemPublic healthCommunity HealthDemocratic Republic of the Congosnakebite |
| spellingShingle | Blaise Engomba Mokekola Jean-Paul Koto-Te-Nyiwa Ngbolua Guy Bayeli Ilumbe Idrissa Zabo Assumani Aristarque Mulonda Monizi Mawunu Gires Mboyo Engomba Colette Ashande Masengo Godefroid Libono Ekamba Epidemiology of snake bites and envenomations in the Bofidji Group – West, Equateur Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo Orapuh Journal Tropical ecosystem Public health Community Health Democratic Republic of the Congo snakebite |
| title | Epidemiology of snake bites and envenomations in the Bofidji Group – West, Equateur Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| title_full | Epidemiology of snake bites and envenomations in the Bofidji Group – West, Equateur Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| title_fullStr | Epidemiology of snake bites and envenomations in the Bofidji Group – West, Equateur Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| title_full_unstemmed | Epidemiology of snake bites and envenomations in the Bofidji Group – West, Equateur Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| title_short | Epidemiology of snake bites and envenomations in the Bofidji Group – West, Equateur Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| title_sort | epidemiology of snake bites and envenomations in the bofidji group west equateur province democratic republic of the congo |
| topic | Tropical ecosystem Public health Community Health Democratic Republic of the Congo snakebite |
| url | https://www.orapuh.org/ojs/ojs-3.1.2-4/index.php/orapj/article/view/316 |
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