Poisoning From Animal Bites And Stings

Poisoning: poisonous animals

Serious poisoning from animal bites or stings rarely occurs in Europe, as the domestic animal species are largely harmless and do not cause any life-threatening symptoms of poisoning. However, precautions should be taken in some regions and during certain activities.

This applies even more to long-distance travel: In some parts of the world, encounters with animals can sometimes be life-threatening. ! Ask before going abroad (especially in planned activities in nature such as hiking, diving, etc. directly above each local wildlife and the associated potential hazards

in case of poisoning suspected in any case: early Vergiftungsinformationszentrale +43 (0) 1 406 43 43 to assess the risk.

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• more on the subject

• What to do in the event of poisoning by snakebite?
• What to do if you are poisoned by a spider bite?
• What to do in the event of poisoning by marine animals?
• What to do with insect bites

What to do in the event of poisoning by snakebite?

In Europe, people bitten by a snake rarely need to be treated with an antiserum, as European snake species are relatively harmless. The indication for an antiserum must be based on strict criteria (Stockholm criteria), since the risk of side effects of allergic reactions is relatively high. However, when bitten by certain exotic snakes, an antiserum can save lives.

Venomous snakes native to Austria are:

• Adder (Vipera berus) and
• Horned or sand viper (Vipera ammodytes).

Symptoms:

After the bite of a domestic venomous snake, the following symptoms are possible:

• Typical wound (bite mark),
• local swelling, which may increase further in the first one to three days after the bite,
• Pain,
• bluish / blue-purple discoloration as well
• local tissue damage.

In addition, general symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, palpitations and a drop in blood pressure can occur due to the ingestion of poison. Warning: allergic reactions are also possible.

Serious courses from snakebites are rare in Europe.

First aid:

• The person concerned should remain at the scene of the incident.
• If possible, cover the wound sterile.
• Do not manipulate such as sucking out, squeezing or cutting out! Do not put on a compression bandage!
• Stand the affected extremity still (splint). All physical activity should be avoided. Further movement runs the risk of the poison being quickly distributed throughout the entire circulation.
• Calm the person down, don't leave them alone.
• Dial the emergency number 144.

Note Even if no symptoms occur after being bitten by a poisonous snake, a medical assessment and, if necessary, in-patient observation should be carried out in the hospital for 24 hours.

Prevention:

• Always wear sturdy shoes (preferably over ankles) and sturdy long trousers when hiking in the mountains.
• When sighting a snake: keep your distance, do not touch!
• Look in the field where you are stepping.
• Never reach into caves, spaces between stones or into deep grass.
• Do not turn any stones as snakes can hide here.
• If you keep poisonous exotic snakes as pets, inform yourself about legal aspects (mandatory notification) and safety measures or procurement of the corresponding antisera.

What to do if you are poisoned by a spider bite?

There are no naturally occurring dangerous spiders in Austria. Poisonous spiders are the garden spider and the thorn-finger spider, whose bites are comparable to wasp stings.

First aid:

• Clean or disinfect the bite site.
• Put on cooling envelopes.
• Do not manipulate such as sucking out, squeezing or cutting out!
• Check your tetanus protection and, if necessary, refresh your vaccination.
• If there are signs of a wound infection (redness, swelling, overheating), consult a doctor.
• If there are signs of an allergic reaction (shortness of breath, circulatory or consciousness disorders), dial the emergency number 144.

What to do in the event of poisoning by marine animals?

Poisonous animal species can also be found in European waters. These are not life-threatening, but can lead to unpleasant encounters. First and foremost, these include the weever and jellyfish.

Weever (Trachinus draco)

Weevers are fish that can be found in the North and Baltic Seas, the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea and the Atlantic coast. There are spines on the dorsal fin and gill covers that release poison on contact. The weever likes to stay in shallow water, digs into the sand there and is therefore difficult or impossible to recognize. Fishermen who pull weever out of their nets are particularly at risk, but also bathers who step on buried animals.

Symptoms:

• Severe pain that can last for several days
• Extensive swelling possible as well
• possibly general symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and circulatory collapse.

First aid:

• Remove any stinger remaining in the wound.
• Immediately wash the affected skin area thoroughly (ideally with warm water, if only salt water is available, also with salt water) and leave it at rest.
• Contact the nearest doctor immediately.
• If this is not possible: immerse the wound in tolerable hot water (up to 45 ° C) or blow it on with a hot hairdryer; the proteins of the poison can be destroyed by heat. Beware of burns! Do not apply heat for more than 30 minutes!
• If possible: Contact the poison information center +43 (0) 1 406 43 43 to assess the risk.
• Check your tetanus protection and, if necessary, refresh your vaccination.

Prevention:

• In areas that are part of the weever's habitat, never go into the water without bathing shoes.
• Keep your distance while diving, weever can attack unexpectedly.
• Weever males are among the food fish. Sting injuries can occur during preparation, and the spines of dead fish still contain poison for a few hours if left unheated.

Jellyfish

Jellyfish live in all seas on earth. Some species can become dangerous on contact and cause severe symptoms; the sea wasp (a jellyfish in the Pacific) is one of the most poisonous animals ever. Their poison leads to muscle paralysis up to respiratory and cardiac arrest in humans.

There are hardly any dangerous species of jellyfish in European waters. Contact with animals can be very unpleasant, but is usually not threatening. Exceptions include the fire jellyfish or the Portuguese galley; they can lead to severe poisoning.

Symptoms:

Contact with a jellyfish tentacle leads to

• Pain and burning,
• Wheal formation as well
• Nausea, vomiting and possibly loss of consciousness (in rare cases).

The injury resembles a burn.

Danger! Allergic reactions are possible with all types of jellyfish!

First aid:

• Rinse affected skin area immediately with salt water.
• Do not rub the area and do not use fresh water for cleaning! This will cause the small poison capsules to burst and further poisonous release may occur.
• If available: wash the area with vinegar (table vinegar 5–7%); this inactivates the poison capsules.
• Then apply cooling compresses or ice.
• If possible: Contact the poison information center +43 (0) 1 406 43 43 to assess the risk.
• In the event of severe symptoms or uncertainty: dial the emergency number (European emergency number 112).

Prevention:

• Inform about jellyfish colonization before going on holiday and especially before diving.
• If you see a jellyfish: keep your distance! Depending on the type of jellyfish, the tentacles can reach several meters.
• If you find a jellyfish or parts of a jellyfish on the beach: don't touch it! Dead jellyfish can also secrete poison.

What to do with insect bites

Bee, wasp and hornet stings

After a bee, wasp or hornet sting, the main signs of reddening, burning and painful swelling at the puncture site. Usually the bites are very uncomfortable, but harmless. It can be dangerous if

• the stitch is in the head, neck or mouth area. The swelling that occurs can cause shortness of breath with a risk of suffocation,
• the person concerned has an insect venom allergy. Allergy sufferers should always carry their emergency medication with them. More on the topic: insect allergy..

First aid:

• After a bee sting, carefully remove the stinger without squeezing or tearing off the poisonous bladder.
• Clean or disinfect the stab site.
• Do not manipulate such as sucking out, squeezing or cutting out!
• Put on cooling envelopes; If available, the use of heat pens specially designed for insect bites is alternatively possible as an immediate measure.
• If there are signs of a wound infection (redness, swelling, overheating), consult a doctor.
• If there are signs of an allergic reaction (shortness of breath, circulatory or consciousness disorders), dial the emergency number 144.
• If you have a known insect venom allergy: If necessary, help the person affected to administer the emergency medication.

Scorpions

Scorpions are arachnids and can be found almost all over the world. However, the species native to Austria are harmless.

Symptoms:

A sting from a native scorpion can be painful, but it is harmless. Similar to a wasp sting, the puncture site is usually red and swollen.

First aid:

The first aid measures are similar to those after a snakebite: It is important to calm the person affected, to cool the puncture site and to refrain from any other manipulation. Children should be examined by a doctor. If you experience severe symptoms, call the emergency number 144.

Prevention:

To avoid scorpion stings, precautionary measures must be observed, especially when camping:

• Don't go barefoot.
• Inspect clothes and shoes before putting them on or shake them out.
• Illuminate the sleeping bag or place to sleep well before lying down.
• If you come into contact with a scorpion: Do not hit it, but wipe it off quickly with the flat of your hand.