What Is A Water Moccasin Bite?
A Water Moccasin Bite is a type of snake bite inflicted by a water moccasin. The latter is a pit viper commonly found in the south-eastern US states, especially near and in water. Their dark tan to black skin and the white cottony lining of their mouth give these snakes their name: cottonmouth [1].
If a Water Moccasin does bite, there is an array of immediate symptoms from the initial pain. Most perceptible will be a dark discolouration around the bite and surrounding areas. A victim may also suffer shock, low blood pressure and weakness similar to a copperhead snake bite [1].
Notably, most children reported that they did not feel the initial ‘bite’ of the snake as water moccasins are not overly skittish. So, it is vital to get to a doctor immediately if you think a water moccasin may have bitten you to avoid deadly complications [1].
Risk Factors of A Water Moccasin Bite
Water Moccasins, or cottonmouths, are pit vipers native to the southeastern United States. They are typically found in or near water and are likely to hiss and flatten in a defensive display if they feel threatened [1].
The incidence of a bite is heavily influenced by a person’s proximity to the snake’s habitat. They are typically found near water environments and in the southeastern states, meaning those who reside in or frequently visit these areas have an increased risk [1].
Another risk factor is the type of activity undertaken by the persons involved. Water Moccasins are relatively unresponsive to threats. Hence, provocation such as swimming, fishing or other water-related activities increases the risk of getting bitten [1].
Finally, the lack of adequate protective clothing or gear can be a risk factor, too. Protective clothing such as boots and long pants can significantly reduce the likelihood of a bite in areas where Water Moccasins live [1].
Is A Water Moccasin Bite Toxic?
A Water Moccasin bite is indeed toxic. The immediate symptoms of a Water Moccasin’s bite are intense pain, additional skin cell destruction that manifests as a change in skin colour, shock, low blood pressure and weakness [1].
The venom of the Water Moccasin is so potent that a partially purified toxin, prepared by hydrochloric acid treatment and subsequent immunisation of goats, is used to make specific antivenin [2].
Treatment of A Water Moccasin Bite
A Water Moccasin bite can be a severe medical emergency requiring immediate action. The first stage of treating a Water Moccasin bite is to get medical help immediately.
The symptoms of a water moccasin bite include immediate pain, change in skin colour, shock, low blood pressure, and weakness [1].
While waiting for medical help, it's essential to keep the victim calm and still to slow the spread of venom. If possible, the bitten area should be kept below heart level.
In the hospital, the primary treatment for a water moccasin bite is the administration of antivenom. Antivenom is the most recommended crotalid envenomation treatment, including water moccasin bites [3].
A more conservative management approach might be used, particularly for less severe envenomations. This approach could incorporate treatments such as analgesia, topical and systemic antibiotics, wound care, and monitoring of complications [3].
Severe cases may require additional treatments. When the bite causes extensive skin necrosis, vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) significantly reduces the wound infection rate, the area of local skin necrosis and hospitalisation time [4].
Can You Die From A Water Moccasin Bite?
Like all snakes in the pit-viper family, the Water Moccasin venomises her prey by injecting a chemical cocktail delivered by fangs. In the case of a Water Moccasin strike, the venom causes immediate pain, tissue damage and inflammation, local changes in skin colour, shock, low blood pressure and weakness [1]. Nevertheless, even though it appears like these venoms should be deadly for humans, a Water Moccasin bite doesn’t usually kill. Most bites have a relatively benign outcome, mainly because the bites are treated on time and adequately [1].
Of course, a Water Moccasin bite can be fatal: for example, someone who is allergic to the venom can experience an anaphylactic shock – a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction; failing to treat the wound can result in serious complications, including infection or tissue damage.
In summary, although a Water Moccasin bite is often non-lethal, it may be fatal under certain conditions, so it is always important to seek immediate medical attention after being bitten.