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

• Chinese Mamushi Snake Bite
• Gloydius Brevicaudus Snake Bite
• Korean Mamushi Snake Bite

What is Short-Tailed Mamushi Snake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

• The short-tailed Mamushi (Gloydius brevicaudus) is a venomous snake that is found in North Asia, in the countries of China, North Korea, South Korea, and Taiwan. The snake belongs to the subspecies of pit vipers, family Viperidae. Pit vipers are termed so, due to the presence of certain heat-sensing organs located in a recess/notch between their eyes and nostrils
• The short-tailed Mamushi preys mainly on small rodents and frogs but will also eat lizards, birds, and fish. It is a diurnal reptile that can be found in a wide variety of landscapes and terrains such as woodlands and forests, marshy lands, mountain slopes and plains, and farm lands. The snake is also found in urban settlements including parks and gardens
• Short-tailed Mamushi can grow from anywhere between 1.5 to 2.5 feet in length. The snake has a medium heavy body and a short tapering tail. The head of the snake is broad, flat, triangular-shaped, and distinct from its neck. The body color is usually pale grey and brown, with “O” shaped markings that run the entire length of the body up to the tail. The sides present small regular blotches in darker color
• Since the snake is found to reside close to human dwellings and among agricultural crops, contact with humans is commonly observed. Short-Tailed Mamushi Snake Bites can cause moderate to severe envenomation (venom injection) and result in possible deaths without early treatment. However, the snake is generally not an aggressive reptile, and may confront any provocation through threatening body postures in most cases
• The signs and symptoms of Short-Tailed Mamushi Snake Bite may include severe localized effects such as pain at the bite site, swelling, and blistering. Systemic symptoms may include severe tissue necrosis, shock, flaccid paralysis, and renal damage. The venom is a potent mix of neurotoxins and hemotoxins that can cause variable symptoms in the victims
• Early administration of suitable antivenom (or antivenin) is the mainstay of treatment. Apart from this, symptomatic treatment is necessary, which may include pain medication, wound care, intravenous fluid administration, blood transfusion, and respiratory support, as needed. The prognosis of Short-Tailed Mamushi Snake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually good; but without suitable treatment, deaths have been reported