Brown Recluse

Can grow up to 5/16 inch in length.  They are tan to brown color with a violin-shaped marking on the cephalothorax (Head).  They have 3 pairs of eyes situated at the base of the violin marking (most spiders have 4 pair).  They live under rocks, pieces of wood, basements, garages, shoes, and clothes

Since they prefer dark places, they are usually indoors, and are rarely seen.  They can be found throughout the Midwestern and southwestern United States

 

The Bite

Highly venomous bite from Brown Recluse results in death of tissue surrounding the initial would site

Severity and spread of tissue degeneration depends on the amount of venom injected

Signs and symptoms:

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No initial pain, pain will present after 8 hrs

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Nausea, High Fevers, Chills

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Itching, inflammation, blistering and red streaking marks

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Necrosis, kidney failure, or coma in severe cases

Statistics

2,566 bites were reported to US poison centers last year.  Most of them were mild to moderate with only 30 being  severe.  No deaths were reported last year.

Things to Do:

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Wash the area with soap and water

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Keep victim hydrated, lots of liquid

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Have a Tetanus shot update if > 10 years

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Call the Poison Center for Instructions

 

If you or anyone you know is bitten by a Brown Recluse or any other Animal/Insect, call the West Texas Regional Poison Center right away at 1-800-222-1222!