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Illustrated Health Encyclopedia
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Ency. home > Injury > S > Snake bite

Snake bite    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Bites - snakes

Definition:

Bite by venomous snake.

Considerations

Each year in the U.S., there are over 8,000 poisonous snakebites -- mostly in the summer season.

Poisonous snake bites are medical emergencies. The right anti-venom can save a victim's life. Getting the victim to an emergency room is the top priority, as most snakebites when properly treated will not have serious effects.

Snake bites can cause severe local tissue damage and often require follow-up care.

Causes

Poisonous snake bites include bites by any of the following:

  • rattlesnake
  • copperhead
  • water moccasin
  • cottonmouth
  • coral snake
All snake species will bite when threatened or surprised, but most will usually avoid an encounter if possible and only bite as a last resort. Snakes found in and near water are frequently mistaken as being poisonous. Most species of snake are harmless and many bites will not be life-threatening, but unless you know the species, treat it seriously.

Ency. home > Injury > S > Snake bite

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