Death Adder Envenomation

This very distinctive snake is typically shorted than its counterparts with a squat body that ends in a fine tapered tail. The head is characteristically triangular in shape with large fangs capable of penetrating clothing. Although similar in appearance to snakes of the Viper group, the Death adder is a true elapid snake.

Unlike most other Australian venomous snakes that actively avoid potential threats, the Death Adder will attempt to camouflage itself by burrowing into the undergrowth or ground debris and thus increasing the likelihood of being stepped on. If confrontation occurs, its bite is very rapid and effective and large volumes of toxic venom can be transferred in a single bite.

Death Adders are typically nocturnal reptiles and are found around the coastal margins of the Australian continent. Their distribution however has become more scattered as their natural environment has been replaced by urban development. They are an infrequent cause of human bites and envenomations now

Death Adder Venom

The main component of Death Adder venom is a neurotoxin. Envenomation carries a 50% death rate without antivenom treatment.

Symptoms of envenomation

Death Adder bites are typically painful and generate localised redness, bruising and swelling.

The hallmark of Death Adder envenomation is progressive paralysis which develops over a couple of hours. The neurotoxin effects are first heralded with drooping of the eyelids which progresses on to double vision and generalized limb muscle weakness. Paralysis of muscles used for breathing may occur within 6 hours of the bite resulting in respiratory arrest and death (if not treated).