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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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October 14, 2008 |
A Publication of QVHD |
Spooky Spiders
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
The nursery rhyme about
itsy, bitsy spiders makes them seem so friendly and cute. Yet spiders
probably rank among the “least” favorite insects. Many people are
terribly afraid of spiders. Literature and media use the spider's image
in association with dark and evil things, and is a particularly popular
Halloween decoration. Yet despite their sinister reputation, spiders are
an insect with a very important beneficial ecological role.
Spiders are predators who are on the constant lookout for food. Their
favorite food is not the human being, but rather it is other insects.
Many spiders are actually “shy” and will only bite a human if provoked.
(For example, they get trapped between your body and clothes.)
Although not common, bites from spiders do occur. Physical reactions to
bites can vary quite a bit and are dependent on the type of spider, the
person's biochemical makeup, and their general physical condition.
Underlying illnesses, such as heart disease or hypertension, may be
aggravated by the physical stress of the bite.
Most spider bites do not lead to death. However, they are often painful.
Initially, the bite may appear as a swollen red lesion, or may have a
darkened central core, surrounded by a “black and blue” type area. It
may increase in size over time. If you know you have been bitten by a
spider, contact a doctor if it seems to be getting worse. If you capture
it (and save it in alcohol), this can be very useful for prescribing
treatment. (Even crushed spiders can be identified.) Your doctor can
submit a spider that has caused tissue damage (known as necrosis) to The
CT Agriculture Station, 123 Huntington St. , New Haven 06512 , phone
number 789-7241.
Most spider bites cause only mild reactions. But allergic reactions to
spider bites can occur. Signs of an allergic reaction include: swelling
of the face or mouth, difficulty swallowing or speaking, chest
tightness, wheezing, difficulty breathing, dizziness or fainting,
abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting. Should any of these symptoms occur,
get immediate medical help.
Of more than 450 types of spiders in Connecticut , few are deadly. An
occasional Black Widow has been identified. The Brown Recluse spider (Loxosceles
reclusa) has been suspected to have appeared in Connecticut . The Brown
Recluse is not indigenous to this area and can't survive our cold
winters if outdoors. However, it can arrive into homes via packages from
warmer climates and survive indoors. The Chiracantheum mildei is a
common spider found in Connecticut that can cause dark (necrotic)
lesions on the skin.
There are some housekeeping measures you can take to decrease your
chances of being bitten. First of all, you can rid corners of webs.
Secondly, since spiders will often bite if they get trapped between your
body and clothing or bed clothing, shake out such items if they have had
contact with the floor. Other strategies include: use gloves when going
through boxes of stored papers or clothing, kept in closets or other
dark places; vacuum corners of bedrooms and baseboards frequently;
freeze boxes of goods or paper (for 48 Hours) suspected of containing
brown recluse spiders.
For more information on spiders, call the CT Agricultural Station, (203)
789-7241 , or the CT Poison Control Center 1-800-343-2722 . This
information has been provided by the Quinnipiack Valley Health District.
| An Ounce of Prevention is a
publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone:
248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is
written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor &
Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and
information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to
be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made
by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district
office. |
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