NEAR-FATAL ENVENOMATION FROM THE FUNNEL-WEB SPIDER IN AN INFANT

Children with significant envenomation require early first aid, resusc itation, and the administration of antivenom at the earliest possible time to survive. The case of a nine-month-old infant with life-threate ning massive envenomation from the Sydney funnel-web spider (Atrax rob ustus) is presented, The infant was administered life-saving first aid (pressure immobilization bandage) and resuscitation measures prior to and during the administration of funnel-web-specific antivenom, The i nfant was discharged two days after the initial envenomation, without sequelae from the envenomation or antivenom. The survival of this infa nt is attributed to the immediate use of first aid, together with aggr essive supportive measures and the administration of repeated doses of specific antivenom.