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Snake Bites
Facts about snake bites:
Each year in the US, there are about 45,000 snakebites. About 7,000 of these bites are from poisonous snakes. Even a bite from a non-poisonous snake can cause infection or allergic reaction in some people. Most snakebites occur during afternoon and evening hours in summer months. Bites on the arms and legs account for more than 90 percent of snakebites. Poisonous snakebites result in less than 10 deaths per year, which is about one-quarter of the number that die from bee stings.
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. These people should:
- know how to identify poisonous snakes.
- carry a snakebite kit and know how to use it.
- have access to transportation and medical assistance in case of emergency.
What snakes cause poisonous bites?
Only about 5 percent, or roughly 25 species of snakes in the US are poisonous. The most common poisonous snakebites are caused by the following snakes:
- pit vipers - rattlesnakes, copperheads and cottonmouth (water moccasin) snakes
- coral snakes
Rattlesnake bites cause most of the poisonous bites in the US. Coral snakes cause less than 1 percent of poisonous snakebites.
What are the symptoms of pit viper bites?
The following are the most common symptoms of pit viper bites. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- local symptoms, including the following:
- bloody wound discharge
- fang marks in the skin
- swelling at the site of the bite which may progress to an entire extremity within hours
- severe localized pain, burning and warmth
- discoloration
- enlarged lymph nodes in the area
- systemic symptoms, depending on the severity of the bite, including the following:
- nausea or vomiting
- excessive sweating
- fever or chills
- weakness, dizziness, or fainting
- difficulty swallowing
- numbness and tingling
- altered mental state
- generalized bleeding or hemorrhage
- seizures
- shock
What are the symptoms of coral snake bites?
The following are the most common symptoms of coral snake bites. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- local symptoms, including the following:
- fang marks
- minimal pain and swelling
- Systemic symptoms may be delayed eight to 24 hours and may include the following:
- weakness or lethargy
- numbness and tingling
- altered mental state
- flaccid muscles
- paralysis
- breathing problems
Treatment for poisonous snake bites:
Remain calm and reassure your child that you can help. Specific treatment for a snake bite will be determined by your child's physician. Treatment may include:
- Move the child to a nearby safe area, away from the snake.
- Call for emergency assistance immediately. Antivenin should be given within four hours when possible. It is not usually effective if given more than 12 hours after the bite. While waiting for emergency assistance:
- have your child lie down, rest, and keep calm.
- wash the bite with soap and water.
- keep warm. Avoid cooling the area to prevent further tissue damage.
- remove all rings, watches, and constrictive clothing in case of swelling.
- loosely immobilize the bitten area and keep it lower than the heart.
- do not give your child anything to eat or drink.
- monitor heart rate and breathing.
- If you are 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 snakebite kits.
- If it is possible to kill the snake without further harm to yourself or your child, it is important to do so. Remember, however, the snake may bite up to 1 hour after being killed due to reflexes. Place the snake in a glass jar or plastic container so it can be positively identified.
Once in the hospital, treatment may include the use of antivenin (an antidote to snake venom). Treatment may also include lab work, pain or sedation medications, tetanus booster, antibiotics, and supportive care.
Preventing snake bites:
Some bites, such as those inflicted when your child accidentally step on a snake in the woods, are nearly impossible to prevent. However, there are precautions that can reduce your child's chances of being bitten by a snake. These include:
- Teach your child to leave snakes alone. Many people are bitten because they try to kill a snake or get too close to it.
- Make sure your child stays out of tall grass unless he/she wears thick leather boots and remains on hiking paths as much as possible.
- Make sure your child keeps his/her hands and feet out of areas he/she cannot see. He/she should not pick up rocks or firewood unless the child is out of a snake's striking distance.
- Teach your child to be cautious and alert when climbing rocks.
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