What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Arrow-Headed Coral Snake Bite
• Costa Rican Coral Snake Bite
• Micrurus Alleni Snake Bite

What is Allen’s Coral Snake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

• The Allen's coral snake (Micrurus alleni) is a venomous snake found in a few nations of Central America mainly Costa Rica and Nicaragua. The snake belongs to the Elapidae family that generally includes slender and swift moving snakes, of genus coral snakes (Micrurus) that form a large group of elegant and ‘mostly’ brightly colored and banded venomous reptiles
• No subspecies have been reported for Micrurus alleni, but the following infraspecies are described in the scientific literature:
  • Micrurus alleni alleni
  • Micrurus alleni richardi
  • Micrurus alleni yatesi
• The snake usually grow to 2-3 feet in length, while some adult males are longer at even 4 feet. Like many coral snakes, the Allen's coral snake is characterized by alternate red and black bands of shiny scales that completely encircle the body. These are separated by thinner yellow or white bands. Normally, the adults are less red in color than the juveniles
• The small head of the snake is usually dark or black; and like most coral snakes, the tail tends to mimic the head. The body of the snake is cylindrical and uniform in size to the head and neck; the head and neck are not distinct from each other. The snake is terrestrial and generally active at night (nocturnal)
• This slender-bodied reptile is mostly found near marshes and swamps, preying on its favorite food - swamp eels. Sometimes, it also feeds on lizards and other smaller creatures. The Allen's coral snake is mostly seen in rainforests and sometimes dry forests in the tropical region, usually at altitudes of up to 5,000 feet (1,500 m)
• Like many coral snakes, the Allen's coral snake is a shy and solitary snake that tends to silently move away when disturbed. It usually stays buried under vegetative covering of forests close to wet areas or marshes; some may be spotted under rocks and fallen trees. Near human settlements, some snakes have been found in gardens, under old sheds, and even inside houses
• The mouth and fangs of the snake are small, and it is difficult for the snake to generally break human skin; but it is known to cling on to its prey. Allen’s Coral Snake Bite can sometimes result in fatalities due to systemic envenomation (venom injection through a bite) in the absence of treatment. The potent myotoxic-neurotoxic venom released can cause systemic effects including significant muscle damage and respiratory distress
• The signs and symptoms of Allen’s Coral Snake Bite may include mild effects at the bite site, such as pain and swelling. As various body systems gets rapidly affected by the venom, it can result in widespread symptoms including slurred speech, vision defects, low blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders, and kidney failure
• Early administration of suitable antivenom (or antivenin) is the mainstay of treatment. Apart from this, symptomatic treatment is necessary, which may include pain medication, respiratory support, and peritoneal dialysis, as required. The prognosis of Allen’s Coral Snake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually good