Brady, just like in any touristy area the biggest problem causers are the human ones. Other than that there are the occasional copperheads, rattlers, and gators (along rivers, creeks and swamps). A few people have donated limbs to sharks this year, but the water isn’t as hot now. That was in June and July. We also have our black widow and brown recluse spiders that seem to be in greater abundance in the fall. But there really isn’t anything to worry about, other than people. Just be aware of their existence and use normal caution.
@Drew51 I’m in partial, but not complete agreement on your post, but would prefer to avoid having the thread go down that somewhat political discussion thread. I’d rather the discussion of those aspects go to a multi-user PM or the Lounge where it would be more appropriate. That discussion has a bit of powder keg potential. Thank you for understanding.
To all. - As of last light it had extended to just below the knee. I have no additional information from this morning.
@hoosierquilt We were apparently typing at the same time.
Being in the healthcare field, I have strong opinions as I watch my industry fall apart. I too really am not into messing this thread up, my apologies. I do not think anybody would change my opinions, as for me seeing and living it has formed my opinion. The DRG (diagnosis related group) billing system is a total failure compared to good old capitalism. Such as is used for lasik surgery where cost of the procedure has dropped every year for the past 20 years, not gone up like in DRG systems. I really have no more to say on the subject. I just posted how hospitals are paid, and such as it seemed relevant to the discussion. Competition for services rendered would surely lower prices not increase prices which is the norm for third party billing systems such as DRG.
We have one poisonous snake here in MI and no poisonous spiders. I kinda like that! I have a question. If you’re bit once, next time can the reaction change? Better? Worse? As a former Med Tech i saw lot’s of disease processes, but never seen a poisonous snake bite.
Folks, going to step in here, and ask that we stop discussing our USA healthcare system. I agree with Dianna - let’s avoid what most certainly is charged topic, and really not a topic germane to focus and purpose of this forum. So, going to pull the Moderator card for the first time, and ask this particular aspect of this thread be tabled. Let’s continue to discuss what’s pertinent and leave off the healthcare discussion.
Drew, to answer your question about a 2nd snake bite - there would only be a reaction difference if you developed an allergic reaction. I’m sure there is somebody out there that is allergic to pit viper venom, as people can be allergic to anything. But generally speaking, no, there is no difference in the reaction to a 2nd snake bite save for the amount of venom that might be injected. That, as well as location of bite and overall health of victim dictate the reaction.
Brady, I was just outside working in the garden and had my daily reminder of the most prevalent “creepy crawlies”. Mosquitoes and Fire Ants. The MB area probably engages in mosquito control. So they might not be bad there. However mosquitoes here can be vectors for both West Nile Virus and encephalitis. Use your repellent.
It’s the fire ants that catch outsiders unaware. Beware of them and don’t stand on or kick ant hills. They are nasty. Even if you’re just standing in a spot where they are traveling, you can wind up feeling prickly irritations on your ankles or feet. On looking down you might see that there are hundreds getting into your shoes and clothes and biting/stinging you. Those welt up and leave you with a burning, stinging, itching.
I don’t know why I didn’t think immediately of those two, since I’m sensitive to both. A couple of times every day I come in covered in welts, uttering expletives, and sometimes reaching for the lidocaine wash and benedryl spray. Not everyone is as sensitive to them. You may be one of the lucky ones. Even luckier if you don’t encounter them. They are pervasive where I live.
Interesting, Patty. Fire ants wouldn’t even be worth mentioning as pests if they were solitary attackers. It’s their habit of gang up on a person, sometimes by the hundreds, before they are even noticed that makes them so awful. It’s scary when they swarm a small kid.
That, and their habit of rapidly destroying various things in my gardens.
Thanks for the heads up about the ants and mosquitos,Muddy.My sister has lived there for a number of years,so I’m sure she will be of help.
Wow,I’m sure glad there are no Bullet ants nearby.I watched a few videos about warrior initiation in a South American tribe and it looks quite painful. Brady
Patty, would you mind elaborating on this. I had always heard allergenic reactions were worse with the second dose of the potential allergen, which can result in a histamine reaction. Maybe that’s what you are saying, but indicating those reactions are rare?
I saw something stated of this in the link you posted above:
“Deaths from copperhead bites are extraordinarily rare, and have been
attributed to factors such as: facial bites or bites to the tongue or
mouth area that lead to swelling of the tongue and occlusion of the
airway; or a previous bite and subsequent anaphylaxis.”
Don’t know much about this and just wanted to ask if you could clarify this for me.
Thanks for posting the link about insect bites. Of the really nasty insects, I’ve only seen velvet ants here (cow killers). I’ve always left them alone.
If anyone is interested, I once came across the article below for bee stings. Even though the remedies are anecdotal, I thought it one of the best comparisons of remedies I’d read, so I saved it.
That’s what I’m saying, Olpea. The common reaction people have to snake bite venom is not an allergic reaction. It is a reaction to the hemotoxin or neurotoxin in those two regards. The only time the “2nd bite could kill you” concept would be if an individual actually developed an allergic reaction to the toxin. Two different types of reactions. It is a combination of many things your body’s immune system will call into play - histamine release only be one of several things that occur in a cascade or chain reaction. On the rare side (anaphylaxis), yes.
[quote=“Olpea, post:33, topic:2447”]
“Deaths from copperhead bites are extraordinarily rare, and have been attributed to factors such as: facial bites or bites to the tongue or mouth area that lead to swelling of the tongue and occlusion of the airway; or a previous bite and subsequent anaphylaxis.”
[/quote] The quote is excluding a (rare) anaphylactic reaction and odd anatomy bite areas. They are trying to provide information about the normal reaction anyone would have to the venom from a Copperhead bite, excluding this different type of reaction and getting bitten in the face or throat. Like the dip*&$% that tried to kiss a rattlesnake and take a selfie - yes, this is a DIFFERENT idiot than the one we posted about previously - this guy tried to kiss the rattlesnake. He’s lucky the normal swelling didn’t occlude his airway. Or, make his lips drop off. So, excluding those two odd and unusual situations, it sounds like the Copperhead bite is less several in general, than other pit vipers.
Thanks for sharing this article, Olpea. I will have to read through it.
