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Arthropods, basic features
Arthropods, basic features
Arachnids, basic features
Arachnids, basic features
Black widow spider
Black widow spider


Black widow spider

Symptoms:

This first symptom is usually pain similiar to a pinprick. This sensation is felt when the bite is actually made. Some people may not feel it. There may be minor swelling and redness.  

Fifteen minutes to an hour later, a dull muscle pain spreads from the bite area to the entire body.

  • If the bite is on the upper body, you will usually feel most of the pain in your chest.
  • If the bite is on your lower body, you will usually feel most of the pain in the abdomen.

The following symptoms can also occur:

Pregnant women may have contractions and go into premature labor.



References:

Marx J. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002: 794-795.

Auerbach PS. Wilderness Medicine. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001:829-832.




Review Date: 2/13/2006
Reviewed By: Stephen C Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA MedicalCenter, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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