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What Are the Symptoms?

Most insect bites produce only minor irritation and such symptoms as:

• Swelling at the site of the bite.
• Itching or burning.
• Local numbness or tingling.

Bites of poisonous spiders and scorpions may produce the following symptoms:

• Intense pain at the site of the wound.
• Stiffness, joint pain.
• Muscle spasms.
• Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting.
• Fever or chills.
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• A spreading, ulcerated wound, or tissue death.
• Dizziness, impaired speech, convulsions.

Sometimes, an insect or spider bite causes a potentially fatal allergic reaction known as anaphylactic shock. Its symptoms include:

• Rapid swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or around the eyes.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Wheezing or hoarseness.
• Severe itching, cramping, or numbness.
• Dizziness.
• A reddish rash, or hives.
• Stomach cramps.
• Loss of consciousness.

Call Your Doctor If:

• You think you have been bitten by a poisonous spider or scorpion.
• You experience any of the symptoms of anaphylactic shock described above. It is a very severe, possibly life-threatening condition. Call 911 or your emergency number immediately.

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