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

• Atractaspis Microlepidota Snake Bite
• Black Stiletto Snake Bite
• Small-Scaled Stiletto Snake Bite

What is Small-Scaled Burrowing Asp Snake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

• The small-scaled burrowing asp (Atractaspis microlepidota) is a venomous snake found widely distributed in the regions of sub-Saharan Africa and Middle East. It is found in the countries of Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Gambia, Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Mauritania, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Yemen
• The small-scaled burrowing asp belongs to the Elapidae family, which generally includes slender and swift moving snakes. The slender to fairly heavy-bodied snake has a short, pointed tail that is rarely white-tipped. Its head is small and conical and indistinct from the neck, with a broad and flattened snout. The small and cylindrical snake usually ranges in size from a foot to about 3.5 feet in length
• The snake has fairly large fangs that protrude from the corners of its mouth which appears partially-closed. Its venom glands are reportedly large in size. Since the fangs protrude out of its mouth, the snake can strike without really opening their mouths (using one side fang too). The body of the small-scaled burrowing asp is smooth, glossy, and can be black, purple-black, dark grey, to very dark brown. The underbelly of the snake may be in shiny gray
• The small-scaled burrowing asp is a ground-dwelling reptile that takes shelter in tiny tunnels and rodent burrows underground. The snake is known to surface during the rainy seasons. It mainly inhabits dry grassland savannahs and semi-desert regions. The snake is nocturnal and typically hunts during the night, mainly preying on lizards, frogs, and small mammals (rodents)
• The reptile has a very mild disposition and mostly prefers to escape; it does not attempt to bite if threatened. If cornered, the snake arches its neck with the head being pointed towards the ground in an inverted "U" shape. If provoked further, it may coil up tightly and thrash its head about violently. The snake is almost impossible to hold safely by hands
• Contact with humans are not uncommon due to its extensive distribution. Small-Scaled Burrowing Asp Snake Bite can occasionally result in fatalities due to severe local effects and systemic envenomation (venom injection through a bite), if the condition is left untreated, from the presence of highly potent cardiotoxins and other compounds in the venom. Generally, fatal bites are uncommon but have been reported
• The signs and symptoms of Small-Scaled Burrowing Asp Snake Bite may be non-specific and include severe pain and swelling at the bite site, headache, diarrhea, weakness, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and dizziness. Severe complications may involve the cardiovascular system resulting in ischemia and myocardial infarction
• Currently, no suitable antivenom (or antivenin) is available for Small-Scaled Burrowing Asp Bites. Symptomatic treatment is mainly considered that includes wound care and cleaning, cardiac monitoring, and breathing support, as needed. The prognosis of the condition with prompt and effective therapy is usually good