False Widow Spider Bites Send More People to Hospitals, Experts Warn
Doctors are seeing more people in hospitals with bites from noble false widow spiders. These spiders carry dangerous bacteria that can cause infections and resist some antibiotics.
Hospital emergency rooms are treating more patients for bites from noble false widow spiders, according to medical experts. These dark-colored spiders with cream markings are being blamed for the rise in bite cases.
The bites themselves cause pain and swelling, but the real danger comes from bacteria the spiders carry. A 2020 study by scientists in Ireland found that these spiders carry 12 different types of harmful bacteria on their bodies and fangs. Some of these bacteria can resist antibiotic treatment.
Most false widow bites cause minor symptoms like redness and pain that go away on their own. But some people report more severe reactions with intense pain. The Natural History Museum says extreme symptoms like rotting flesh are usually caused by infections, not the spider's venom itself.
The spiders are called "false widows" because they look similar to dangerous black widow spiders but aren't as venomous. However, the bacteria they carry can still make people very sick if the bite gets infected.
If you get bitten by one of these spiders, the bite could lead to a serious infection that's hard to treat with regular medicine. The spiders are becoming more common in some areas.
People should watch for signs of infection after any spider bite and see a doctor if symptoms get worse.
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