Snake envenomations in northwest counties of the Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

the frequency of envenoming in northwest counties of the rio de janeiro state, brazil, from 1995 to 2000 was evaluated. reports from the municipal secretariat of health of these counties were used. the results demonstrated that, from 1997 to 1999, there was a shortage of notification, and 40 cases of envenomations caused by bothrops snakes were registered. these cases were more common from february to october, and the lower limbs of male peasants were the mainly affected areas.