Epidemiological Profile of Occupational Accidents by Venomous Animals in Tocantins, 2014-2023

Maria Eugênia Teixeira Soares, Maria Laura Teixeira Soares, Leonardo Alencar Amaral de Melo, Agostinho Vargas Teixeira Júnior, Lorena Dias Monteiro

  • Maria Eugênia Teixeira Soares AFYA PALMAS
  • Maria Laura Teixeira Soares AFYA PALMAS
  • Agostinho Vargas Teixeira Junior AFYA PALMAS
  • Leonardo Alencar Amaral de Melo
  • Lorena Monteiro Dias AFYA PALMAS

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the epidemiological profile of occupational envenomation’s in Tocantins, Brazil, from 2014 to 2023. A retrospective study was conducted using secondary data on occupational envenomation’s in individuals aged 18 years or older, reported in Tocantins between 2014 and 2023. A total of 3,455 cases were identified from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN). Of 41,221 reported cases, 3,455 (8.38%) were work-related. Most affected individuals were male (87.45%), self-identified as pardo (74.71%), aged 15–39 years (49.38%) and 40–64 years (41.12%). Time to medical assistance occurred within 1 hour (39.31%), between 1–3 hours (32.14%), and after 24 hours (4.49%). The Bothrops genus was the most identified (25.18%), but 66.71% of cases lacked species classification. Scorpions and snakes accounted for 35.80% each. The most affected body regions were the feet (22.82%) and hands (21.55%). Serum therapy was administered in 39.54% of cases. Findings reveal occupational vulnerabilities, with a predominance of young men in rural activities. Underreporting of species identification hampers clinical management, while delays in medical care and underutilization of serum therapy emphasize the need for epidemiological surveillance and professional training.

Published
2025-09-12