A poisonous snake found on the mainland of Australia. It belongs to the family Elapidae and is extremely venomous, having a potent neurotoxin.... Dictionary of Tropical Medicine
Marine, air breathing reptiles with a potent neurotoxic and myotoxic venom responsible for many deaths world-wide - although there are no documented deaths in Australia. They are usually found close to shore, or on coral reefs. They are easily distinguished from land snakes by their wide, flattened tail which is used for swimming, and from eels by their lack of gills. Fortunately, despite having a potent venom, when they bite they inject venom in only some 20% of cases.... Dictionary of Tropical Medicine
Most snake bites are by nonvenomous species. Venomous snakes are found mainly in the tropics; the only species native to the is the adder.
The effects of a venomous bite depend on the species and size of the snake, the amount of venom injected, and the age and health of the victim. A bite from an adder or other viper typically causes immediate pain and swelling at the site, followed by dizziness and nausea, a drop in blood pressure, an increase in heart-rate, and internal bleeding.
Antibiotic drugs and tetanus antitoxin injections are given for all bites to prevent infection and tetanus.
An injection of antivenom is also given for a venomous bite.
With prompt treatment, most victims recover completely.... BMA Medical Dictionary
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