Venomous animals have been a symbol of evil and death ever since the dawn of mankind. If mankind can control an aspect of nature it becomes our slave for use and abuse as we see fit. However, if we cannot control an aspect of nature, it becomes an object to be persecuted and feared. The seemingly magical capabilities of venom, and the historical inability to understand its action and function, has led to these animals being associated with evil, witchcraft and black magic - even today these perceptions exist. But should we be afraid?

Scorpion envenomation in cats and dogs is more common than in humans, but at the same time, often goes undiagnosed. When cats or dogs locate a scorpion, they rarely move away to a safe distance. They often head for it and try to kill it which results in them being stung.

There is a small reddish-brown scorpion that is often found in houses in Gauteng (and Bloemfontein, Kuruman, Bethulie, Swellendam, Stellenbosch and other major centres). This scorpion is called Pseudolychas ochraceus. During the warmer times of the year these scorpions become mobile in the environment and often enter houses where they end up trapped in bathtubs, sinks […]

Recently, there has been a movement on social media to reconsider the Sac Spider as not of medical importance. It is good to question what we know, however there has to be good reason why we should change our mind about how we perceive these spiders. 

First reported in 2004, the email reports the venomosity of Camel Spiders (Solifugids) and includes a couple of photos. Subject: Camel Spiders From someone stationed in Baghdad. He was recently bitten by a camel spider which was hiding in his sleeping bag. I thought you’d like to see what a camel spider looks like. It’ll […]

There is an email that has spread throughout the world. There are many different variants, but the images and general contents are the same. It’s responsible for some of the Violin Spider mass hysteria. It shows the hand of a “Violin Spider bite victim”, together with a photo of a Violin Spider.

Scorpion Antivenom is vital for the effective treatment of scorpion stings in Southern Africa. However with disruptions in supply of this life saving drug, what are the options available for patients?