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February 10, 2012
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Black Widow Spider Bite (cont.)

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When to Seek Medical Care

Treatment for serious reactions to a black widow spider's bite will be beyond the scope of most medical offices and urgent care centers. Pain relief may require the use of narcotics and antivenin (antitoxin to counteract the effects of the spider venom).

The decision to seek emergency care should be made early. If the person who was bitten by a black widow spider has more than minor pain or has whole-body symptoms, seek care at a hospital's Emergency Department. If symptoms are severe, call 911 for emergency medical transport so that evaluation and treatment can start en route to the hospital.

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Black Widow Spider Bite - Treatment

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Spider Envenomation, Widow »

Widow spiders belong to the genus Latrodectus and include the black widow spider (Latrodectus mactans mactans) in the United States.

Read More on Medscape Reference »

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