First report of a funnel-web spider envenoming syndrome in Brisbane

Abstract

The Australian funnel-web spider, arguably the most venomous spider in the world, is distributed along the Australian eastern seaboard, typically preferring moist, cool, sheltered habitats such as rainforests. Prior surveys around Brisbane have only ever demonstrated funnel-web spiders in the outskirts of the city contiguous with bushland or native rainforest. We report the first funnel-web spider envenoming syndrome presumed from a spider resident to inner-city Brisbane. Emergency departments in the greater Brisbane area should be prepared for this clinical scenario, and stocks of Commonwealth Serum Laboratory funnel-web spider antivenom, until now thought to be unnecessary, should be readily available.