For many grey nomads who venture into the remote Outback or who enjoy a good bushwalk, the presence of potentially dangerous snakes is a real concern.
It is no secret that Australia has an unequal share of the world’s deadliest snakes … and they are definitely out there. Awareness and taking commonsense precautions are, of course, critical in minimising the dangers. However, as the weather warms up, it is perhaps a good time to remind ourselves of the potential threat, and of the importance of acting quickly if the worst happens.
There is hope … just ask the 17-year-old boy who has survived after being bitten by the world’s most venomous snake, the inland taipan. Last week, the teenager walked into a hospital in Kurri Kurri, north of Sydney, with a bite to his left hand. According to reports, his friend was carrying a plastic tub containing the snake responsible.
The inland taipan, which can grow up to 2.5 metres in length, typically lives in central Australia’s arid deserts and is not normally seen on the coast. One drop of its venom is enough to kill 100 adult men. According to doctors, the boy’s rapid treatment with anti-venom was crucial to his survival, as inland taipan venom can kill someone in as little as 45 minutes.
“We had antivenom in stock, we keep what’s called polyvalent antivenom and that covers all of our snakes,” said toxicologist Geoff Isbister. “We had access to it immediately, and he was treated very early.”
The inland taipan’s poison is neurotoxic and can cause gradual paralysis and compromise breathing if not treated. Myotoxins in the bite also dissolve muscle and other tissues, meaning the wound site can cause significant kidney damage.
The boy is recovering in hospital, and police are investigating how he came into contact with the desert reptile amid speculation it could have been an illegal pet. Have you ever had a too close encounter with a snake? What precautions do you take? Email us here with your views on this story.
