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

• American Coral Snake Bite
• Harlequin Coral Snake Bite
• Micrurus Ibiboboca Snake Bite

What is Caatinga Coral Snake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

• The Caatinga coral snake (Micrurus ibiboboca) is a moderately venomous snake found in South America in the nations of Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname. 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
• The body of the snake is slender, and it has a small, rounded head and blunt snout. The head and neck of the Caatinga coral snake are almost continuous (same size). The body is typically cylindrical and uniform in size; it has a short tail. The tail does not mimic the head, such as noted in many other coral snake species
• Like many colorful and glossy coral snakes, the Caatinga coral snake is characterized by a black and white head followed by a red band. The snake presents broad red to red-brown bands separated by five equal width black and white. The snake’s tail may have alternating black and white bands. The snake may range in size from over 2 feet to nearly 4.5 feet in length
• The Caatinga coral snake is terrestrial and generally feeds on small lizards and other snakes, including coral snakes. This reptile is found in the Caatinga, a term used to describe dry shrubland and thorn forests of north-to-eastern Brazil, coastal mesic forest, savannas, thorn forest, and dry lowlands. The snake may be seen in altitudes of up to 4,000 feet (1.200 m)
• Like many coral snakes, the snake is typically solitary and shy and tends to silently move away when disturbed. Caatinga Coral Snake Bites can rarely 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 Caatinga Coral Snake Bite may include mild local 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 convulsions, dizziness, severe flaccid paralysis, 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, IV fluid administration, respiratory support, and peritoneal dialysis, as required. The prognosis of Caatinga Coral Snake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually good, but few deaths have been reported without adequate treatment