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Here’s everything you need to know about the Redback spider
14 November 2018
| Last updated on 19 January 2020
If you’re a resident of the UAE, make sure you read this
It has been confirmed that the redback spiders have been spotted once again in the UAE and they can be highly venomous.
Redback spiders belong to the Australian spider family and can also be found in some parts of Asia.
However, the recorded number of these lethal redback spiders are apparently increasing in the United Arab Emirates through the import of plants and fruits into the country – they can even come into the UAE through people’s luggage.
So far no fatal incidents have been reported due to a bite from the redback spiders, but doctors recommend seeking medical assistance if bitten.
How can you spot a red back spider?
You can spot a red back spider by looking at the appearance of the spider – they predominantly are black in colour and have a red stripe on their backs and are small in size.
Some female redback spiders grow to about 10 millimetres, while the male redback spiders grow to 5 millimetres.
You can usually find redback spiders in the outdoors – mostly in gardens and around pools.
How dangerous is red back spider?
Redback spider bites tend to leave small pinpricks in the skin – however, in extreme cases, those small pricks can be highly venomous.
They are considered to be extremely dangerous and can cause severe side effects or be fatal.
Which is why doctors warn the public to immediately visit a hospital when bitten by a redback spider to receive the anti-venom because they are venomous spiders.
What happens if you get bitten by a redback spider?
If you think you’ve been bitten by an insect and not sure if it was a red back spider, watch out for the following symptoms:
- Intense localized pain on bite mark
- Sweating
- Chest pain
- Muscular weakness
- Loss of coordination
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Convulsion
- Abdominal pains
- High blood pressure
- Hallucinations
Can you die from red back spider?
It is extremely rare for those bitten by a redback spider to die – however, children, the elderly and those with medical conditions may experience severe side effects by the bite.
Research has shown that some infants, who reacted badly to the bite, have died within a couple of hours. While affected adults have taken up to 30 days for the bite to become fatal.
How do I treat a redback spider bite?
Doctors advise that you seem medical assistance as soon as you can, but if you are unable to do so then attempt the following.
- Keep observing the bite
- Apply an ice pack to lessen the pain
- If pain is severe, visit emergency room
- Do not apply excess immobilization pressure
Some symptoms may still be present after 7 days, however, if they persist for more than that then seek medical advice for the following: itchiness and redness for more than a week.
