Snake bite

Alternative names:

bite - snake

Definition:

Bite by venomous snake.

Considerations:

Each year, there are about 7,000 victims in the U.S.--mostly in the summer season.

Poisonous snake bites are medical emergencies. It usually takes several hours for snake venom to kill. The right antivenom can save a victim's life.

Snake bites can cause severe local tissue damage and often require follow-up care.

Causes:

Poisonous snake bites include bites by any of the following "pit viper" snakes

• rattlesnake
• copperhead
• water moccasin
• cottonmouth
• coral snake