Red Back Spider
Redback bites occur frequently, particularly over the summer months. More than 250 cases receive antivenom each year, with several milder envenomations probably going unreported. Only the female bite is dangerous. They can cause serious illness and have caused deaths. However, since Redback Spiders rarely leave their webs, humans are not likely to be bitten unless a body part such as a hand is put directly into the web, and because of their small jaws many bites are ineffective. The venom acts directly on the nerves, resulting in release and subsequent depletion of neurotransmitters.
Common early symptoms are pain (which can become severe), sweating (always including local sweating at bite site), muscular weakness, nausea and vomiting. Antivenom is available. No deaths have occurred since its introduction.
I ran a 5k this summer! I took second place for the female 14-18 year old age group. It was fun. I'm running another one tomorow and hope to do better. My time was a 22:29... a pr for me!
[img:ac4b35f91e]http://r.tektek.org/?r=98208[/img:ac4b35f91e]
Avi art is always welcome. ^_^
Screaming_Biscuits · Sat Jun 23, 2007 @ 02:04am · 0 Comments |