Incidence of snakebites from 2007 to 2014 in the State of São Paulo, Southeast Brazil, using a Bayesian time series model

Abstract

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The monthly incidence of snakebites from 2007 to 2014 in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, was assessed. METHODS: A statistical model based on the discrete double Poisson distribution was proposed, including pairs of sine and cosine functions of time to account for seasonality and autoregressive terms. RESULTS: The analysis indicated a slight increase in the incidence of snakebites. The inclusion of two pairs of trigonometric functions seemed to be relevant in the model adjustment, given the seasonal pattern of the data. CONCLUSIONS: The snakebites occurred predominantly during the warm season, from November to April.

Keywords

• Snakes
• Time series
• Poisonous animals.