Snakebite in Lebanon: The painful reality

Jabbour E. Snakebite in Lebanon: The painful reality. Med Emergency, MJEM 2020; 28:64-8.

DOI: 10.26738/MJEM.2017/MJEM28.2020/CT.CEE.060520

Keywords: antivenom, emergencies, emergency department, Lebanon, Middle East, snake, species

  • Authors’ affiliation
  • Article history / info
  • Conflict of interest statement

Corresponding Author: Elsy JABBOUR, MD

Emergency Department, Lebanese American University Medical Center,

Beirut, Lebanon

elsyjabbour.1@gmail.com

Jabbour E, MD

Emergency Department, Lebanese American University Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon

Category: continuous education

Received: Nov. 27, 2019

Revised: Jan. 22, 2020

Accepted: May 06, 2020

There is no conflict of interest to declare

ABSTRACT

Unfortunately, snakes remain a nightmare for the villagers in Lebanon. Ninety percent of snakebites are non-venomous, and snakes are not aggressive and do not bite unless provoked. Among the 25 species that were observed in Lebanon, only three were identified as venomous snakes: vipera palaestinae, vipera lebetina and vipera bornmuelleri. The objectives of this article are to present the types of Lebanese snake species, and to provide a guide for management in the emergency department and the indications for antivenom use. Finally, we will present common misconceptions and the Lebanese situation concerning antivenom availability.

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