First report of a funnel-web spider envenoming syndrome in Brisbane
Date
2008
Authors
Rosengren, D.
White, J.
Raven, R.
Rothwell, S.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
EMA - Emergency Medicine Australasia, 2008; 20(2):164-166
Statement of Responsibility
David Rosengren, Julian White, Robert Raven and Sean Rothwell
Conference Name
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.