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This collection was conceived as an 'Appropriate Technology' list of commentary and research concerning the treatment of snake bites.  Snake bites are recognized by the WHO as a neglected Tropical Disease.

The particular question of the use of electric shock as a treatment is addressed in the pro and con.  Some claim success in practice, researchers have yet to discover any mechanism to justify.  Continued review of effective methods for treating snake and other venomous bites is recommended as research continues.



  1. Background Snakebite envenoming is a frequently overlooked cause of mortality and morbidity. Data for snake ecology and existing snakebite interventions are scarce, limiting accurate burden estimation initiatives. Low global awareness stunts new interventions, adequate health resources, and...
  2. Abstract, Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, 2018 April Background: Antivenom is the definitive treatment for venomous snakebites, but is expensive and not available in many rural and poorly developed regions. Timely transportation to facilities that stock and administer antivenom may not...
  3. Key facts Though the exact number of snake bites is unknown, an estimated 5.4 million people are bitten each year with up to 2.7 million envenomings. Around 81 000 to 138 000 people die each year because of snake bites, and around three times as many amputations and other permanent disabilities...
  4. Abstract, Journal of the American Board of Family Practice, 1992 Background: Venomous snakebites continue to cause great morbidity, and treatment options ate confusing the attending physician. In the United States approximately 45,000 snakebites occur eacl1 year, of which some 8000 ate by 20...
  5. This is the article quoted most often as initiating the modern debate over the efficacy of using electric shock as a treatment for snake bite. The use of electric shock dates back to the 1890s. "The treatment is delivered through modifications of what are popularly known as stun guns. It comes in...
  6. Abstract, Wilderness and Environmental Medicine, 2001 During the past 2 decades, articles suggesting that stun guns be utilized to treat venomous bites and stings have appeared in both the lay and medical press. Although never widely considered to be standard therapy for venomous bites and...
  7. Abstract, Toxins, 2018 April Many issues and complications in treating snakebite are a result of poor human social, economic and clinical intervention and management. As such, there is scope for significant improvements for reducing incidence and increasing patient outcomes. Snakes do not target...
  8. In 1970, when David Warrell was a young hospital clinician in northern Nigeria, he faced three horrifying snakebite cases in quick succession that would change the course of his career. One man had stepped on a puff adder while getting out of bed. He arrived with a gangrenous leg and died of...
  9. Abstract, Journal of Emergencies, Trauma, and Shock, 2008 Snake bite is a well-known occupational hazard amongst farmers, plantation workers, and other outdoor workers and results in much morbidity and mortality throughout the world. This occupational hazard is no more an issue restricted to a...
  10. Abstract, Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, 2018 August Background Snake bite is a neglected public health problem in tropical and subtropical region. The study was conducted with objectives to determine the knowledge of first aid methods in snake bite and the perception of snake...
  11. Abstract, PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2018 February Snakebite is a major health issue that affects many people, particularly young poor farmers in developing countries in the tropics. Many patients suffer poor outcomes due to inadequate or delayed access to effective treatment. A large...
  12. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health2022,19(8), 4701;https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19084701 Published: 13 April 2022 Abstract Snakebite envenoming causes more than 140,000 deaths annually and at least triple this number of disabilities. The World Health Organization classified snakebite as a...
  13. Toxins2022,14(1), 57;https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins14010057 Published: 14 January 2022 Abstract Snakebite is a significant and under-resourced global public health issue. Snake venoms cause a variety of potentially fatal clinical toxin syndromes, including venom-induced consumption coagulopathy...

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