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

• Black-Necked Amazonian Coral Snake Bite
• Micrurus Obscurus Snake Bite
• Micrurus Spixii Obscurus Snake Bite

What is Black-Neck Amazonian Coral Snake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

• The black-neck Amazonian coral snake (Micrurus obscurus) is a venomous snake found in a few nations of South America including Bolivia, Colombia, and Brazil. 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
• Earlier, Micrurus obscurus was classified as a subspecies of Micrurus spixii (Amazon coral snake) and termed Micrurus spixii obscurus; it was also placed under species M. lemniscatus. Currently, it has been elevated to the status of a full species. Nevertheless, this is more a matter of taxonomy (nomenclature) and does not in any way change the description, behavior, or venomous nature of Micrurus obscurus
• Also, several literature sources refer to Micrurus obscurus as the Bolivian coral snake. This may be confused with other coral snake species that go by the same name including Micrurus annellatus bolivianus, Micrurus frontifasciatus, and Micrurus serranus. Hence, in order to differentiate from others, the name “black-neck Amazonian coral snake” is used to describe Micrurus obscurus
• The snake usually grows between 2.5 to 3 feet in length, while some species are longer at even 4 feet. The black-neck Amazonian coral snake is characterized by alternate yellow/light brown and red bands of shiny scales with shorter black bands in between them, which completely encircle the body. The head of the snake may display all three colors and the neck is characteristically black
• The body of the snake is cylindrical and slender. The head and neck are almost indistinct from each other, and the snake has a short tapering tail. This coral snake is mostly found in tropical rainforests and in grasslands, savannahs, farmlands, and plantations. It often preys on lizards and small snakes
• The Black-Neck Amazonian 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 Black-Neck Amazonian 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, if required. The prognosis of Black-Neck Amazonian Coral Snake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually good