Deaths from reptile bites in the United States, 1979–2004

Abstract

Introduction. Bites from reptiles cause thousands of injuries but fortunately few deaths in the U.S. each year. This article reviews deaths from reptile bites over the last 25 years. Methods. Mortality data was obtained using CDC WONDER to evaluate deaths that occurred from 1979 to 2004 due to reptile bites. Information on race, gender, ages, and state where death occurred is reported. Results. There were 134 deaths reported over this 25-year time period. Whites were 93.3% of the victims, and males were 79.1% of the victims. The age group reporting the most deaths was the 25 to 34 year old category. There were 17 (12.7%) victims less than 15 years of age, and 25 (18.7%) victims older than 65 years of age. Seventy-five of the fatalities (55.9%) occurred in five states. Conclusions. An average of five deaths occurs from reptile bites each year in the U.S. White males living in the Southern part of the United States are more likely to be the victim of a fatal reptile envenomation.

Keywords:

• Rattlesnake bite
• Fatality
• Crotaline envenomation
• Toxins