[Epidemiologic aspects of snakebites in Vale do Ribeira, São Paulo, 1985-1989]

This study reports on the incidence of snakebites from January 1985 to December 1989 in Vale do Ribeira, S o Paulo, Brazil. Overall incidence ranged from 68.7 to 84.2/100,000. There were 840 snakebites during this period, with higher frequency from October to May. The highest incidence rates were observed in the districts of Jugui and Eldorado (159.4 and 131.4/100,000, respectively). Most of the patients were male. Agricultural workers were the most heavily affected. Most of the patients received treatment within 2 hours after the bite. Morbidity was not severe and lethality was 0.2%.