[Mamba envenomation in mainland France: management of exotic envenomations needs rethinking].
We report a case of accidental green mamba (Dendroaspis viridis) envenomation in the suburbs of Paris. Although moderate, neurotoxic symptoms were clearly present. Immunotherapy with polyvalent serum FAV-Afrique was decided, but logistical problems prevented reasonably quick serum delivery to the hospital. Despite a spontaneously favourable outcome probably due to minimal envenomation, this case exemplifies a near-miss of the care system. Given the increasing incidence of potentially life-threatening exotic envenomations, management of similar cases should be improved. Besides breeders and health care professionals' information, we suggest that victims of an exotic envenomation be referred to a facility with experienced staff and ready access to a limited bank of carefully chosen antivenins.
Leclerc
T
T
Service d'anesthésie-réanimation, HIA Percy, 101, avenue Henri-Barbusse, 92141 Clamart cedex, France. thomas.leclerc@m4x.org
Debien
B
B
Perez
J-P
JP
Petit
M-P
MP
Lenoir
B
B
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D017815:Elapidae; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012909:Snake Bites / Q000628:therapy*