Boy survives bite from most deadly snake

 

Thursday 27 September 2012 10:58 EDT
Comments
(Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Move over Spiderman, an Australian teenager yesterday survived a bite from the deadliest snake in the world. One drop of venom from the inland taipan is strong enough to kill 100 adult men, but the boy, who was bitten on his left-hand, is alive and well, Sky News reports.

"The 17-year-old walked into hospital in the small town of Kurri Kurri...according to reports, his friend was carrying a plastic tub containing the snake responsible". After identifying the snake as an inland taipan, toxicologists gave the youth nti-venom, saving his life before the neurotoxic poison caused gradual paralysis.

Detectives are investigating how he came into contact with the reptile - as the snake may not be wild but an illegally-kept pet.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in