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Vision/Mission Prevention Week |
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 A little about the Brown Recluse or Fiddleback Spider This spider is most common to the southern states, but occasionally find its' way northward into West Virginia. There were 19 brown recluse spider bites reported in 1997 to the West Virginia Poison Center. The name brown recluse is the correct terminology for this spider, a more common name "fiddleback spider" is used due to the fiddle shaped mark on its back. This timid spider generally hides in closets, old storage boxes and trunks, crawl spaces in homes and in stored clothing. Outdoors, it will be found under rocks and in abandoned buildings. What happens if I am bitten? The bites of these spiders initially burn and itch, or in some cases, offer no distress to the victim. A small red bite will appear within 2-10 hours. The bite of this spider may develop into a bulls eye or halo shape with a blister in the center. The area in and around the bite mark becomes dark red or blackish-blue. Following this discoloration, the tissue begins to be digested away and eventually falls off. The process is due to the action of the venom. Recovery time varies with the individual and often leaves scar tissue as a reminder of the encounter. This bite demands medical attention immediately. If possible, attempt to catch and keep the spider. The poison center should be contacted as soon as a suspected bite occurs. What can I do if I am bitten? Wash the bite area with soap and water. Apply a cool compress on the
area. Call the West Virginia Poison Center.
A little about the Black Widow Spider A mature female black widow spider is a more significant threat than the smaller, brown male. The mature female is a globe shaped, black, shiny spider with a red or orange marking or hourglass on the underside of her abdomen. Black widows are nocturnal and are commonly found in buildings, wood piles, stone walls and dark, moist areas, such as crawl spaces and outside privies. What happens if I am bitten? The bite from the venomous female can be painless and unnoticeable early on or there can be sharp stabbing pain with the bite. Not everyone that is bitten develops symptoms. However, symptoms can include: pain; cramping; and rigidity in the chest, abdomen and muscles within 2 hours which may become severe. These symptoms may be followed by: nausea, vomiting, headache, anxiety, hypertension, reduced heart rate and sometimes shock. There were only 3 black widow spider bites reported to the West Virginia Poison Center in 1997. Recovery may take a month or longer, and only about 5 people out of every 100 bitten dies. What can I do if I am bitten? Following a bite, clean the area with soap and water. Apply a cool compress over the bite location. Call the West Virginia Poison Center for additional treatment information. |
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