Beware of Snake and Spider Bites

As the warm weather awakens the gardener and outdoor enthusiast in us, UC Davis critical care physicians say it's time to guard against bites from venomous snakes and spiders, which are on the move. "Nearly 50 percent of all snake bites occur between April and June," says UC Davis pediatrician Robert J. Dimand. "And the majority of bites from black widow spiders, the leading cause of death from spiders in the United States, also occur during the warm months." While the majority of snake bites occur when people are hiking or walking through high brush, more than half of all bites from black widow spiders take place around the home in areas where these spiders typically reside, such as in the garage, in wood piles or near ground cover. Meant to immobilize prey, rattlesnake venom is mostly water and 5 percent to 15 percent potent enzymes that can cause severe local pain and swelling. Black widow spider venom, in contrast, causes more potent muscle spasms and neurologic symptoms, such as anxiety and restlessness. "Modern anti-venom treatment is very effective in treating snake and spider bites when victims receive care within a few hours of being bitten," he says.

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Andy Fell, Research news (emphasis: biological and physical sciences, and engineering), 530-752-4533, ahfell@ucdavis.edu