Nearly all spiders produce venom, which they inject to {paralyse} & kill their prey. However, only a few species are harmful to man. The hairy tarantula of Southern Europe is relatively harmless, although its bite is painful. Severity of bite & outcome will largely depend on species of spider.
Spiders whose bite occasionally cause death in man include:
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black widow - USA
brown recluse - USA
banana - South America
redback - Australia
funnel web - Australia
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Although there may be no native poisonous spiders in your region, some people collect poisonous species. Sometimes spiders even arrive in fruit cargoes.
DIAGNOSIS: Witness spider, usually seen & identified, swelling & pain at bite site, bite mark is single puncture, skin discoloration, {vomiting}, disturbed vision. Possible unconsciousness, absence of {pulse}, breathing may stop.
TREATMENT: Treat {shock}. Quickly get to a medical center where anti-spider venom is available.
#clint poison
/animated 8f/s
It is not advisable to make incision into area of bite & try to suck out venom as 1 is rarely immediately available to prevent absorption of poison. However, it is important to identify the spider so that a suitable anti-venom can be administered. Make a note of spider's markings, or if it has been captured or killed, be sure to keep it.
