First Case Report of a Near Lethal Envenomation by a Salomonelaps par (Solomons Coral Snake) in the Solomon Islands

Trop Med Infect Dis. 2018 Aug 21;3(3):90. doi: 10.3390/tropicalmed3030090.

Abstract

Venomous snake bites in the Solomon Islands can be very dangerous due to lack of access to health care. There are no documented case reports of envenomation by snake bites in the Solomon Islands. This case report highlights the management of a patient with potentially lethal neurotoxicity secondary to a Solomonelaps par (Solomons coral snake) in a low resource setting. This case identifies the potential benefit of further research to determine the incidence of lethal envenomation as well as analysing the venom to determine if any commercially available antivenom would be useful in the treatment of envenomation by Salomonelaps par and other venomous snakes. There should be consideration given to providing education on first aid for people living in remote areas as well as education for health workers.

Keywords: Salomonelaps par; Solomon Islands; Solomons coral snake; neurotoxicity; snake bite.

Publication types

  • Case Reports