Snake bites in morocco: Progress and challenges

Abstract

Snakebites are a real health problem in Morocco because of the diversity of the ophidian fauna and the signifi cant morbidity and mortality if treatment measures are delayed. The Moroccan Poison Control Center reports hundreds of snakebites every year. Being aware of this problem, Morocco started to set up a specifi c strategy for the control of snakebites since 2008. This strategy has allowed the implementation of a specifi c snakebite information system, the standardized guidelines for snakebite treatment and the acquisition and distribution of an adequate antivenom. These measures have led to an increased number of snakebites with better therapeutic management but despite these efforts, snakebites remain underestimated in Morocco.