Risks to infants from bites of the brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis)
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
By: Thomas H. Fritts, Michael J. McCoid, and R.L. Haddock
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Abstract
The brown tree snake, Boiga irregularis, is abundant on Guam and commonly invades human habitations. Data on emergency room visits on Guam document a high freguency of snakebites on Guam. Over 50% of the emergency room visits for snakebite involved children <4 years old. Records exist of 4 infants, 1, 2, 5, and 10 months old, who displayed significant symptoms after being bitten, while sleeping, by snakes. Two infants developed respiratory problems within a few hours and required medical treatment for asphyxiation. Lethargy, diminished sensory perceptions, drooping eyelids, swelling, discoloration, and bleb formation were variable in occurrence in the patients.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Risks to infants from bites of the brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis) |
| Series title | American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene |
| DOI | 10.4269/ajtmh.1990.42.607 |
| Volume | 42 |
| Issue | 6 |
| Year Published | 1990 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene |
| Contributing office(s) | Patuxent Wildlife Research Center |
| Description | 5 p. |
| First page | 607 |
| Last page | 611 |
| Other Geospatial | Guam |