Snake Bites
The danger of snake bites:
Each year, nearly
8,000 people receive poisonous snake bites in the United
States. Even a bite from a so-called "harmless" snake can
cause infection or allergic reaction in some people. People
who frequent wilderness areas, camp, hike, picnic, or live in
snake-inhabited areas should be aware of the potential dangers
posed by venomous snakes.
What snakes cause poisonous bites?
Any of the
following "pit viper" snakes cause poisonous bites:
- Rattlesnake
- Copperhead
- Cottonmouth Water Moccasin
- Coral Snake
What are the symptoms of poisonous bites?
While
each individual may experience symptoms differently, the
following are the most common symptoms of poisonous snake
bites:
- bloody wound discharge
- fang marks in the skin and swelling at the site of the
bite
- severe localized pain
- diarrhea
- burning
- convulsions
- fainting
- dizziness
- weakness
- blurred vision
- excessive sweating
- fever
- increased thirst
- loss of muscle coordination
- nausea and vomiting
- numbness and tingling
- rapid pulse
How are snake bites treated?
Call for emergency
assistance immediately if someone has been bitten by a snake.
Responding quickly in this type of emergency is crucial. While
waiting for emergency assistance:
- Wash the bite with soap and water.
- Immobilize the bitten area and keep it lower than the
heart.
- Cover the area with a clean, cool compress or a moist
dressing to minimize swelling and discomfort.
If a victim is unable to reach medical care within 30
minutes, the American Red Cross recommends:
- Apply a bandage, wrapped two to four inches above the
bite, to help slow the venom. This should not cut off the
flow of blood from a vein or artery - the band should be
loose enough to slip a finger under it.
- A suction device can be placed over the bite to help
draw venom out of the wound without making cuts. These
devices are often included in commercial snake bite kits.
Most often, physicians use antivenin -- an antidote to
snake venom -- to treat serious snake bites. Antivenin is
derived from antibodies created in a horse's blood serum when
the animal is injected with snake venom. Because antivenin is
obtained from horses, snake bite victims sensitive to horse
products must be carefully managed.
Preventing snake bites:
Some bites, such as those
inflicted when you accidentally step on a snake in the woods,
are nearly impossible to prevent. However, there are
precautions that can reduce your chances of being bitten by a
snake. These include:
- Leave snakes alone. Many people are bitten because they
try to kill a snake or get too close to it.
- Stay out of tall grass unless you wear thick leather
boots and remain on hiking paths as much as possible.
- Keep hands and feet out of areas you cannot see. Do not
pick up rocks or firewood unless you are out of a snake's
striking distance.
- Be cautious and alert when climbing rocks.
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