Is there antivenom for sea snakes?
In the case of serious bites, sea snake antivenom can be administered. Antivenom should not be used for all bites because it can cause unpleasant side effects, including allergic reactions to the antivenom serum.
Are Stokes sea snake venomous?
A Stokes sea snake (Astrotia stokesii), a highly venomous snake that has fangs long enough to pierce a wetsuit, has washed up in Manly Cove in Sydney Australia, more than 3,000 kilometers from its native habitat.
How potent is sea snake venom?
However, sea snake venom is extremely potent, and a complete envenomation by an adult sea snake may contain enough venom to kill 3 adult people. The clinically relevant toxins in sea snake venom are neurotoxins and myotoxins.
How long after a bite from a sea snake does it take effect?
There is anti-venom available and should be started as soon as possible when a health care professional determines it is needed. It has been shown to be most effective if given within 8 hours of the sea snake bite.
How often do sea snakes bite humans?
In general, sea snakes bites are rare; only 3% have been recorded to be fatal. In the one case that was covered prominently in the media, it was attributed to the fact that the snake was stressed and felt threatened after being caught in the trawler net.
How big do sea snakes get?
Of the 55 species of true sea snakes, most adults are 1–1.5 metres (3.3–5 feet) long, though some individuals may attain 2.7 metres (8.9 feet).
What is a sea snakes habitat?
Sea snakes are found often in protected coastal waters and near river mouths. However, they also thrive in other habitats, ranging from muddy or turbid water to clear waters and coral reefs.
What is antivenom worth?
For one hospital vial, the price is around $2,300. A typical treatment dose? That requires four to six vials. So for a single, smaller rattlesnake bite that would need four vials of antivenin, the cost is $9,200.