The psychological impact of snakebite, a neglected aspect in WHO snakebite treatment guidelines for Africa: Lesson learnt from a historical case report from Zambia

Abstract

From a historical case of systemic envenoming and depression in Zambia details were kept. Presenting features fitted a viper bite,  warranting polyvalent antivenom intravenously. Applying presently used 'WHO guidelines for prevention and clinical management of snakebite in Africa' (2010), indicate a puff adder (Bitis arietans) bite and similar treatment. Snakebite treatment guidelines need an update on psychological co-morbidity.