BRADENTON HERALD (Florida) 08 June 05 Homestead man bitten by dangerous pet mamba

Homestead, Florida (AP): A snake owner was treated with antivenin Wednesday after his poisonous green mamba bit his left hand, authorities said.

The man, whose name was not released, was treated at Homestead Hospital with an intravenous drip containing the antivenin, Miami-Dade Fire-Rescue Capt. Al Cruz said.

Cruz said the man would receive 15 to 30 vials of antivenin, and it would take time to determine whether he will make a full recovery.

"The hospital is considering this a serious situation," Cruz said.

Cruz said the man was bitten by his 5- to 6-foot snake at around 5 a.m. Wednesday and went to the hospital without calling 911.

The hospital contacted fire-rescue, which holds the serum for about 25 area medical facilities.

The bright-green snakes are native to Africa and are among the fastest and most poisonous snakes in the world, Cruz said. The poison attacks the central nervous system, and bite victims show symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, breathing and speaking.
Homestead man bitten by dangerous pet mamba

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