To make a survey of the epidemiological characteristics of Russell′s viper bite in the surrounding areas of Guangzhou to provide evidence for its prevention and treatment.

A descriptive analysis was conducted on the epidemiological characteristics of Russell′s viper bite treated at the Department of Emergency Medicine of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2018. The correlation between the time of starting treatment and the time to acute kindy injury onset was analysed by Linear Correlation Analysis.

A total of 1481 patients with venomous snake bite were treated in 5 years with 3 deaths, of whom 43 had Russell′s viper bite with 2 deaths, accounting for 66.7% (2/3) of the total death rate of snakebites. The Russell′s viper bites occurred mainly in the Pearl River Delta region (Zhaoqing, Yunfu, Foshan, and Jiangmen; 74.4%) and from September to November (44.2%, 19/43). The majority of patients were peasants (53.5%, 23/43), aged 50~69 years, and had lower limbs bitten (67.4%, 29/43), with severe cases accounting for 74.4% (32/43). There was a significant correlation between the time of starting treatment and the time to acute kidney injury onset (r=0.719, P<0.01).

Russell′s viper bite is the major cause of death of venomous snake bite in the surrounding areas of Guangzhou, so we should focus on monitoring and intervention in high-incidence months, regions, populations, and parts to improve the public′s self-protection ability. When bitten by Russell′s viper, people should immediately go to the hospital for treatment, and receive blood purification if necessary.

Russell′s viper; Snake bite; Epidemiologic profile; Prevention