ABSTRACT
The vast majority of snake bites require only local wound care and approximately only 1–5 deaths are reported each year from snake bite envenomation in the United States, which is very low compared to worldwide figures. Serious snakebite envenomations are still a public health issue but most are in tropical regions and especially in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa. India reports the most snakebite deaths of any country. The controversy with snake envenomation is in regard to the use of antivenom, as many question whether they are needed. Although most snakebites are not venomous, antivenom is readily available and patients as well as health care providers often want it and even demand it. There are approximately 25 snake antivenoms available worldwide, but the main antivenom used and studied in the United States is the sheep antivenom. Case series have reported reduction in pain and opiate use.
