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

• Protobothrops Tokarensis Snake Bite
• Tokara Habu Snake Bite

What is Tokara Island Pitviper Snake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

• The Tokara Island pitviper (Protobothrops tokarensis) is a rare venomous snake that is found exclusively in the Tokara Islands, which form part of the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan. 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
• Tokara Island pitviper preys mainly on small rodents, birds, fogs and lizards. It is mostly a nocturnal reptile that can be found in the coastal woodland and forest and cultivated farmlands of the islands. The snake can also climb plants and trees in search of prey
• Tokara Island pitviper can grow from anywhere between 3 to 5 feet in length. The snake is moderately slender with a short tapering tail. The head of the snake is large, triangular-shaped, and distinct from its neck. The body color is usually in shades of brown, with dark irregular blotches spaced from each other
• There is not much information available about the snake venom and its potency. Human contact with the snake is not uncommon as the snake is found near residential areas and on cultivated lands. Tokara Island Pitviper Snake Bites can cause moderate envenomation (venom injection) that may result in possible deaths without early treatment
• The signs and symptoms of Tokara Island Pitviper Snake Bite may include localized effects such as pain at the bite site, swelling, and blistering. Systemic symptoms may include tissue damage and necrosis, shock, and bleeding problems. The venom is a potent mix of hemotoxins that can cause non-specific symptoms in the victims
• Currently, no suitable antivenom (or antivenin) is available for Tokara Island Pitviper Snake Bites. Symptomatic treatment is mainly considered that includes wound cleaning and providing breathing support, as needed. The prognosis of the condition with prompt and effective therapy is usually good; although, some reports indicate that deaths have resulted from a lack of quick and proper treatment