Snakebite in Lebanon

Abstract

Unfortunately, snakes remain a nightmare for the villagers in Lebanon. Ninety percent of snakebites are non-venomous, and snakes are not aggressive and do not bite unless provoked. Among the 25 species that were observed in Lebanon, only three were identified as venomous snakes: vipera palaestinae, vipera lebetina and vipera bornmuelleri. The objectives of this article are to present the types of Lebanese snake species, and to provide a guide for management in the emergency department and the indications for antivenom use. Finally, we will present common misconceptions and the Lebanese situation concerning antivenom availability.