Alas, it's true, or so it would seem. The article was recently splashed across the front page of the local newspaper. Until a week or so ago, there had been no fatal bites since the 1930s I believe. The unfortunate victim was bitten by a copperhead, and did indeed pass away. But there may have been extenuating circumstances.
Although I did not read this, the victim allegedly had a heart problem, and had been drinking. He also went unconscious after about 15 minutes. This alone, to me, would indicate anaphylactic shock, such as one experiences if you're allergic to peanuts, or bee stings, or shellfish. Anaphylactic shock is usually countered by a hit with an "epi pen" (epinephrine), but if you don't know you're allergic, there would be no reason to have such a device with you. Of course you do not want to give someone a shot if you do not know their medical history.
In this same vein, a co-worker's wife was bitten by a copperhead, and was quite pregnant at the time (think 8 months pregnant!) She was not given any antivenin since she was pregnant. She was watched closely. She had all the symptoms of envenomation, including the swelling, and pain, but weathered it all, and gave birth to a healthy baby at full term.
So is a copperhead bite dangerous? The immediate answer is yes. But will a person die from it? Not very likely, although obviously it can happen. The bottom line is: get help, as soon as possible.
Although I did not read this, the victim allegedly had a heart problem, and had been drinking. He also went unconscious after about 15 minutes. This alone, to me, would indicate anaphylactic shock, such as one experiences if you're allergic to peanuts, or bee stings, or shellfish. Anaphylactic shock is usually countered by a hit with an "epi pen" (epinephrine), but if you don't know you're allergic, there would be no reason to have such a device with you. Of course you do not want to give someone a shot if you do not know their medical history.
In this same vein, a co-worker's wife was bitten by a copperhead, and was quite pregnant at the time (think 8 months pregnant!) She was not given any antivenin since she was pregnant. She was watched closely. She had all the symptoms of envenomation, including the swelling, and pain, but weathered it all, and gave birth to a healthy baby at full term.
So is a copperhead bite dangerous? The immediate answer is yes. But will a person die from it? Not very likely, although obviously it can happen. The bottom line is: get help, as soon as possible.
