SALENTO. A 23-year-old man from the Salento region recently died after being bitten by a violin spider. According to media reports, the young man was working in a rural area on July 13 when he was bitten on his right leg. At first, he believed the bite was just a harmless mosquito sting, but his condition quickly worsened.
Initially, the bite site only developed a slight swelling. But soon the swelling began to spread and caused severe pain. Eventually, an abscess formed, leading to necrosis of the affected leg. Despite medical treatment, his condition continued to deteriorate, and he ultimately died from the consequences of septic shock and multiple organ failure.
Complications Despite Medical Treatment
The young man sought medical help due to the increasing discomfort and was initially taken to two different hospitals before being transferred to the University Hospital of Bari. Despite intensive care treatment, his condition continued to worsen. Doctors could do nothing more for him, and he died from the effects of the bite.
Danger from Violin Spiders
Violin spiders, also known as Loxosceles rufescens, are small, inconspicuous spiders that can be dangerous in rare cases. Their bite is often initially painless, with symptoms appearing hours later. While most bites only cause mild discomfort, in some cases, a cytotoxin can be released, leading to serious complications.
Caution and Prompt Response Required
Experts advise that in the case of a suspected spider bite, immediate medical assistance should be sought and, if possible, the spider should be preserved for identification. Timely diagnosis and treatment can be crucial in such cases to avoid life-threatening complications.