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Snake bite

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Bites - snakes

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, and they can be deadly if not treated quickly. Children are at higher risk for death or serious complications because of their smaller body size. However, the right anti-venom can save a person's life. Getting the person to an emergency room as quickly as possible is very important. If properly treated, many snakebites will not have serious effects.

Causes:

Poisonous snake bites include bites by any of the following:

• Rattlesnake
• Copperhead
• Cottonmouth (water moccasin)
• Coral snake
• Cobras
• Various snakes found at zoos

All snakes 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 are absolutely sure that you know the species, treat it seriously.

• Review Date: 5/15/2006
• Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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