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Why you should read this article: • To enhance your knowledge of the prevalence and pathophysiology of snake bites • To enable you to recognise the signs and symptoms of snake bites and how to determine their severity • To understand the steps that need to be taken when assessing and managing patients with a suspected or confirmed snake bite Snake bites are a relatively rare presentation to emergency departments in the Western world. In the UK, there were 510 cases of snake bites between 2004 and 2010. However, it is important that nurses are aware of how to assess and manage these presentations and understand the importance of ascertaining information on factors such as the type of snake involved and how long the snake was biting the patient for. This article uses a case study to discuss the assessment and management of snake bites, and provides information on the steps nurses should take to manage patients presenting with a snake bite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anaphylaxis is an acute and potentially fatal systemic reaction usually caused by mast cell–mediated release of histamine. Symptoms can vary in onset, appearance, and severity. Some common symptoms include weakness, dizziness, flushing, angioedema, urticaria, nasal congestion, and sneezing. Severe symptoms include upper respiratory tract obstruction, hypotension, vascular collapse associated with angioedema and urticaria, gastrointestinal distress, cardiovascular arrhythmias, and/or arrest. Methods: We conducted an observational follow-up study encompassing approximately 8 million person-years based on the UK General Practice Research Database for the period January 1, 1994, to December 31, 1999, which quantified the frequency, type, and severity of a clinical diagnosis of anaphylaxis. Results: Based on 675 cases of anaphylaxis, we estimate the incidence to be 8.4 per 100 000 person-years. Approximately 10% of cases had hypotension and shock that required urgent treatment. The most common causes were insect stings and oral medicines. Conclusion: Anaphylaxis is an uncommon illness that has multiple causes and can be life-threatening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the biting nuisance of mosquitoes in the UK, despite the high numbers found in some locations. A telephone questionnaire survey was used to determine the perceived nuisance of biting insects on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, a place notorious for mosquitoes. Two hundred randomly selected individuals were interviewed and asked if they suffered from mosquito bites. If they answered yes, they were asked to describe where and when they were bitten, and what measures they took against mosquitoes. Forty-six percent of respondents completed the questionnaire. Of those, 50% reported being bitten by mosquitoes, mostly outside during the summer. Seventy percent said that most biting occurred during the evening and night. Of those respondents who protected themselves against biting (27), most used repellents (70%), with the remainder changing their behaviour to avoid mosquitoes, including closing or screening windows (33%), wearing thicker clothes (7%) and spraying insecticide (4%). One person slept under a bednet in summer (4%). This study provides evidence that on the Isle of Sheppey mosquitoes are considered a major nuisance by a sizeable proportion of the population. Since there is growing interest in the threat posed by new and emerging diseases in the UK, health authorities will need to make substantial efforts to inform and reassure the public about the threats posed by mosquitoes in areas where they are common.