Snakebites set to soar as El Niņo builds
Snakebites set to soar as El Niño builds
12/10/15
[SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA] Central American countries are likely to see a spike in snakebites over the next six months due to the hot weather caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon, prompting calls for better preparedness.
A study in Costa Rica shows that rates of snakebites double or even triple during particularly hot and cold periods of a climate cycle known as El Niño Southern Oscillation. The periodic warming of the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean within this cycle is called El Niño. The cooling phase is called La Niña.
The research also found that poor and rural populations are disproportionately affected by any increase in snakebites as they spend more time in areas where snakes are common and have less access to treatment.
The scientists involved in the study say that, considering a strong El Niño phase has begun and is likely to last into the first part of 2016, authorities should get prepared. El Niño Southern Oscillation tends to make the seasons in Central America more extreme.
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Each year, an estimated 2.5 million people are poisoned by snakebites, of whom around 300,000 experience permanent health problems, including amputations, and 100,000 die, according to the World Health Organization
http://www.scidev.net/global/health/news/snakebites-soar-el-nino-builds.html
Environment & Energy:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/112792304