Along came a spider….

Recently an unknown spider bit a man after buying some fruit at a Winnipeg grocery store. He developed symptoms of chest tightness and muscle aches with pain at his bite on his finger. He attended an emergency department who evaluated him. The spider, recovered is tentatively identified as a black widow spider.

Many people are concerned about stray insects being brought with produce to Canada.

With large monocultures being transported large distances insect stow a ways may become more and more common.

Black widow spiders (identified by a red hour glass) have toxic venom that causes several symptoms including shortness of breath and abdominal pain. Abdominal pain may even be confused with surgical conditions like appendicitis. Usually the diagnosis is obvious if there is confirmed proof of a black widow bite Treatment is usually supportive with painkillers and muscle relaxants with observation of the patient.

People with previous medical conditions as well as the very young or old may even die from these bites.

If no history of a spider bite then the emergency doctor has to rule out all the severe life threatening conditions such as strokes or heart attacks that could be confused with these types of symptoms.

In the recent Winnipeg case both the person and the doctors did the correct procedures. The patient attended emergency promptly and presented his symptoms and history while the emergency department screened him for serious illness.

Having worked in emergency before, black widow spiders are not at the top of anyone's list but doctors are trained to suspect common things first but keep an open differential diagnosis.

It is always helpful for a specialist to see the insect. Many bite victims have a strong desire to crush the spider but if this happens it will be impossible to identify. We always stress safety and don't want people to unnecessarily handle a potentially dangerous insect. Taking a digital picture of the offensive bug is a safer alternative.

(There are many instances of people bringing in dangerous snakes to the ER in the US and staff never appreciates this).

Insect envenomations are unusual but may also occur for travelers abroad. It is important to seek help promptly if you have any concerns.

Local doctors are familiar with their dangerous species, which may include spiders, snakes, scorpions and jellyfish.

Shaking out shoes in the morning and using permethrin insecticides that will deter them can avoid insect bites. When camping avoid overturning rocks and wood with your hands (use a stick instead) while looking for firewood as unexpected disturbances can make snakes and spiders irritable.

Back home washing produce will remove chemicals and wash away any hiding bugs.

There is no black widow spider in Canada – so buying Canadian always is safe.

(One reader Tanys D pointed out that  balck widow spiders are indeed found in Canada. Although there have been no cases of Black widows in Canadian produce this could be a remote possibility).

It is important to remember that we often worry about the wrong things and the risk of a dangerous bite in the supermarket pales in comparison to the danger to our health from high cholesterol.