Brown recluse spider bites could be dangerous

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Officials are saying the death of a 42-year-old Evansville man could be the result of a brown recluse spider.

While deaths from the spiders are quite rare, doctors don't want to see anymore fatal cases. That's why they're suggesting a few things you should be on the watch for to stay safe.

You can recognize the creature by its violin-shaped marking on it's body, and of course its brown color. Doctors say if you're bitten by the spider you'll feel the pain pretty quickly, because of its venom.

You'll want to act quickly to make sure the initial small bump it leaves doesn't turn into much worse.

"They're very fatal because they contain this venom, which can cause some obstruction in the skin and also it spreads rapidly in the blood," Dr. Robert Chua of Regional Hospital said.

If you think you've been bitten:

-Immediately apply ice
-Wash yourself thoroughly with cool water
-Get medical aid where they can give special treatment.
-Do not try to remove the venom yourself.

Officials say the spiders like dark areas, like cluttered spaces and bathtubs.

Death from brown recluse spiders is very rare.

In fact, the Center for Wound Care at Region Hospital said they've only had to treat one serious spider bite this year.