Weird But True: Venomous Spider Causes Supermarket Shutdown
By Jane Herz | August 10, 2023 | 9:37pm
A supermarket in Austria had to close its doors this week after a venomous Brazilian wandering spider was found roaming among the bananas. According to TMZ, there were concerns that a bite from this deadly spider could result in long-lasting and painful erections.
The Penny market in Krems an der Donau, located about 45 minutes west of Vienna, the nation’s capital, has been closed since Tuesday. The store manager immediately called the fire department upon spotting the 4-inch black-and-red spider. Although the crates of bananas were sealed to contain the spider, it has not been captured yet, as reported by The Mirror.
The venom of the Brazilian wandering spider is known to stimulate erections that can last for hours. Those who are bitten not only experience high blood pressure but also widespread pain throughout their bodies. Dr. Romulo Leite from the Medical College of Georgia, who has studied this spider, stated that the erection is a side effect that accompanies the pain and discomfort.
“We’re hoping eventually this will end up in the development of real drugs for the treatment of erectile dysfunction,” Dr. Leite added.
Interestingly, in 2012, Smithsonian Magazine suggested that the venom of this spider could potentially be the next Viagra, a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction. However, it seems like this idea has not progressed further.
This is not the first time this venomous spider has made its way to Europe. Back in May 2017, hundreds of these spiders infiltrated a family’s bananas purchased from the supermarket Asda in the UK, leading them to evacuate their home. Additionally, in spring, a UK man discovered a painful and venomous Huntsman spider in his bananas from the Tesco grocery store.
“I don’t think I’ve ever had a shock horror reaction like it before. I was completely gobsmacked to discover it,” said Craig Harrison, who found the spider. He added that it gave him the fright of his life.
As of now, the Penny market in Austria remains closed until the spider is captured. The incident serves as a reminder of the unexpected and sometimes bizarre encounters that can occur in everyday places.