Fatal brain hemorrhage after Bothrops asper bite in the Catatumbo region of Colombia

Abstract

Snake bites are a public health problem in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. They occur especially in rural workers and are an important source of disability and mortality. We present the case of a 59-year-old farmer from the Catatumbo region of Colombia who was bitten by a B. asper snake and suffered a fatal brain hemorrhage after the event. We draw attention to the severe bleeding disorder in contrast with the slight changes at the site of the bite, as well as on the importance of the early treatment of poisoning with antivenom even in the absence of significant skin manifestations.