Risks to infants from bites of the brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis)

Thomas H. Fritts; Michael J. McCoid; R.L. Haddock

doi:10.4269/ajtmh.1990.42.607

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Risks to infants from bites of the brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis)

Thomas H. Fritts·Michael J. McCoid·R.L. Haddock

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Abstract

The brown tree snake, Boiga irregularis , is abundant on Guam and commonly invades human habitations. Data on emergency room visits on Guam document a high freguency of snakebites on Guam. Over 50% of the emergency room visits for snakebite involved children <4 years old. Records exist of 4 infants, 1, 2, 5, and 10 months old, who displayed significant symptoms after being bitten, while sleeping, by snakes. Two infants developed respiratory problems within a few hours and required medical treatment for asphyxiation. Lethargy, diminished sensory perceptions, drooping eyelids, swelling, discoloration, and bleb formation were variable in occurrence in the patients.

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American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Article

Source-reported bounding extent: 13.226337560380372° to 13.66965913224172° latitude; 144.56929076403685° to 145.00699022284482° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

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Thomas H. Fritts, Michael J. McCoid, R.L. Haddock. 1990. Risks to infants from bites of the brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis). https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.1990.42.607

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