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

• Black-Banded Coral Snake Bite
• Common Central American Coral Snake Bite
• Micrurus Nigrocinctus Snake Bite

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

• The Central American coral snake (Micrurus nigrocinctus) is a venomous snake found in many 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
• The snake usually grows between 2.5 to 3 feet in length, while some species are longer at 5 feet or more. Like many coral snakes, the Central American coral snake is characterized by alternate broad red and narrow black and yellow bands of shiny scales that completely encircle the body; adults may show more orange than red bands. The head of the snake may display a black hood
• The body of the snake is cylindrical and slender. The head and neck are indistinct from each other, and the snake has a short tail. The Central American coral snake is mostly found in tropical rainforests and in grasslands, savannahs, farmlands, and plantations at altitudes of up to 6,600 feet (2,000 m). The snake preys on smaller reptiles and lizards
• The Central American 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 may include pain and swelling at the bite site. 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 Central American Coral Snake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually good