Funnel web spider attack

[ChrisH]

http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/health-problems/i-felt-something-crawl-up-my-leg-this-woman-survived-every-aussies-worst-nightmare/news-story/d2a0358c13574494610ceeb1debaf04d

[AFreshStart]

@ChrisH,

 

That is one of the most sensational articles I'be read in as long as I can remember! 

 

There have only been 27 spider deaths recorded in Australia in the past 100 years, 13 of which were from the Funnel Web, 7 of which were children.

 

Last year we had the first spider bite death in over 40 years, a 22 year old man who died from the bite of Redback, even then the evidence was inconclusive.

 

To the best of my knowledge there has not been a single recorded death from a funnel web since the antivenin was made available in 1981.

 

Yes, these spiders, along with the Red Back are potentially lethal, but these stories sensationalize things... welcome to the media.

 

I'd like to point out that in South Africa we have Black Widows, a cousin of the Redback along with the Violin spider, which can also cause serious harm.

 

You also have over 11 potentially lethal snakes species in South Africa to Australia's 11, it doesn't matter if the Tapain is deadlier than a Black Mamba, both have the potential to kill you.

 

On that it's estimated that there are over 250 deaths a year in South Africa from snake bite, Australia, 2.

 

Insects stings/bites from the likes of Wasps, Bees & Hornets on the other hand have sent 42,000 people to the hospital in Australia over the last decade, less than 44% of those that died made it to a hospital.

 

Cheers

 

Matt

 

 

 

 

Edited January 19, 2017 by AFreshStart

[ChrisH]

Thanks for the perspective @AFreshStart, the media usually sensationalises things.  Good to know those stats.

 

The first thing people usually tell me when they hear I'm moving to Australia is that "everything there tries to kill you".  The joke is at my previous house in Fourways we often had red lip snakes in the yard.  We also had a MASSIVE rain spider on our patio (which I believe is part of the Huntsman family).

 

I still don't like the idea of finding one in my bed!!!

[RedPanda]

1 hour ago, AFreshStart said:

 

Insects stings/bites from the likes of Wasps, Bees & Hornets on the other hand have sent 42,000 people to the hospital in Australia over the last decade, less than 44% of those that died made it to a hospital.

 

 

Hahahahaha!!! Sorry, I just had to laugh! It's obvious you read the same article as I did today (and shared with friends and family on Facebook) I got it from ScienceAlert In Australia... I don't know if you got it from the same source, but I'm sure it will be posted elsewhere as well. I just had to laugh...

[Rhyss]

20 hours ago, ChrisH said:

Thanks for the perspective @AFreshStart, the media usually sensationalises things.  Good to know those stats.

 

The first thing people usually tell me when they hear I'm moving to Australia is that "everything there tries to kill you".  The joke is at my previous house in Fourways we often had red lip snakes in the yard.  We also had a MASSIVE rain spider on our patio (which I believe is part of the Huntsman family).

 

I still don't like the idea of finding one in my bed!!!

and in SA everyone tries to kill you

[FingersCrossed]

13 minutes ago, Rhyss said:

and in SA everyone tries to kill you

 

 for sure.

[ChrisH]

45 minutes ago, Rhyss said:

and in SA everyone tries to kill you

 

HAHA, brilliant!