Suspicious Spider Bites on LI, NY...Black Flesh Symptoms

Newsday ^ | 6/29/02

[DaughterofEve]

"In what experts say is a rare if not near-impossible occurrence on Long Island, at least three people have been diagnosed with brown recluse spider bites this week." "The clustering of three or four cases in one week left many skeptical."

[DaughterofEve]

Who would have dreamed I could have sat down on the computer after 3am and had such..."unique" pictures posted to me!

I'm going back to sleep....surely pleasant dreams ahead!
Thanks for all the research and input, all!

[Uni-Poster]

It would be hard to confuse the 2. I would not push the panic button. I have a little experience in this (17 years LOL) and know that insect outbreaks like this can happen especially with the odd weather patterns the entire US has had the last 12-18 months. I have seen the effects of Brown Recluse personally and it is nasty.

[Drew68]

Day 9

Mmmm.... Looks like lasagna.

[kcvl]

I'm sorry! I hope it doesn't keep you awake. I know the feeling.

[kcvl]

Now, that is GROSS!!! lol!

[Humidston]

I just read your profile.... I used to live in Aquebogue myself! (1992-1994) Used to take the Port Jeff ferry a lot to visit family in Mass. Small world.

Good luck with the spiders. We're back in TX and loaded with them out here in the country. GRRRR.... BTW, I've been told that all spider bites create inflammation from the center outward.

[kcvl]

I haven't seen them up close and personal, just searching the web. I hope I NEVER see them that close, either! They do some NASTY damage.

[MarkL]

OK, now we need a pick of the brown recluse bite...and to know how they are looking in Stonybrook!

Are you a student at Stonybrook? I was a long time ago, lived in Kelly 5 (Hamilton College).

Mark

[Uni-Poster]

You don't want to see it up close. I didn't! LOL
Amazing how a little creature can do soo much damage.
Amputations in bad cases are not rare.

[Uni-Poster]

Maps like the coverage map in your post don't mean alot these days. Non native insects are relocated to all points of the US every day by moving vans, motor home, etc. Even here in SoCal we have had fights with Fire Ants from Texas relocated in a move. Was such a threat for a while that any moving van from Texas was fumigated upon arrival in CA.

Have even had relocation of Formosan Termites from Louisiana to California in moves. Luckily have nipped those in the bud.

[per loin]

Any stats on how many brown widow spider bites are reported nationally per year?

[swheats]

Brown Recluse The brown recluse is aptly found in barns, sheds, garages, or even homes that are dry, littered, undisturbed and contain a supply of insects to serve as food. Favorite hiding places seem to be in the arms or legs of garments left hanging undisturbed for some time. People are sometimes bitten while sleeping in beds that have been unoccupied for a long period.

The mature brown recluse spider has a body about 3/8 inch long and 3/16 inch wide. The leg span is about the size of a half dollar. The overall color is light tan to deep reddish brown. The distinguishing mark is a darker contrasting brown fiddle-shaped area on the front half of the back. This marking is why the brown recluse is often referred to as the fiddle-back spider.

The bite of this venomous spider can cause serious effects. It is especially dangerous to children, to the elderly and those in poor physical condition. Contrary to some reports, fatalities from the bites of the brown recluse are very rare. Reaction to the bite varies considerably and depends upon the amount of venom injected and individual sensitivity to it.

Extreme pain may follow almost immediately after the bite, or the bite may not be noticed for an hour or more. The visible sign of recluse poisoning is a small white blister at the site of the bite. The affected area enlarges, becomes inflamed and the tissue is hard to the touch. Eventually the affected tissue is killed and peels away, leaving a sunken, ulcerating sore up to the size of a silver dollar.

The healing process is slow, requiring 6-8 weeks; in fact, skin grafts may be needed for complete recovery from the ulcerated sore.

It is extremely important, therefore, to get medical attention as soon as possible. Although no specific antidote is available, prompt medical treatment can prevent severe reactions and lesson the long-range effects.

[kcvl]

Thanks! That should help me sleep tonight. lol!

[kcvl]

Yikes!!!

ROFLOL!!!

[per loin]

Any stats on how many brown recluse spider bites each year in the USA?

[2sheep]

    

[swheats]

That makes two of us just what I was thinkin when I saw this posted.

[Uni-Poster]

I can't think of any off hand. Sleep deprived! LOL

Here is a link to a good article on them.
http://spiders.ucr.edu/myth.ht ml

[kcvl]

Your Sadie is soooooo cute! I just noticed. I just LOVE animals(especially dogs).