Bitten By False Widow Spider, UK Boy Rushed To Hospital After Unbearable Pain

In a startling incident that brought attention to the potential dangers of seemingly harmless creatures, an 11-year-old British boy named Matthew was bitten by a spider, turning a routine encounter into a medical emergency. This incident took place in Surrey, UK, the day after Christmas, when Matthew was bitten on the back of his leg by what appeared to be an ordinary spider.

Despite spiders being commonly regarded as harmless household insects, the aftermath of the bite proved otherwise for Matthew and his family. Initially dismissing the bite as a minor concern, they soon found themselves grappling with a situation that spiralled out of control, resulting in widespread news coverage.

Matthew’s mother, Sarah, expressed her shock at the turn of events, emphasising that they had not anticipated the severity of the situation. Believing it to be a simple wound, she applied basic medicine to prevent infection when Matthew complained of leg pain. However, the situation took a dangerous turn, prompting them to seek immediate medical attention.

By December 27, Matthew’s condition had worsened to the point where he could not bear weight on his leg. Remarkably, he did not exhibit any signs of fever. His legs displayed redness and signs of cellulitis, prompting his parents to rush him to the nearest hospital.

Investigations revealed that Matthew had been bitten by a False Widow spider, considered the most dangerous spider in Britain. Though not commonly found in UK homes, reports indicate occasional encounters with this eight-legged arachnid, Steatoda nobilis. Notably, the False Widow bears a striking resemblance to the more infamous Black Widow spider in both colour and shape.

Fortunately, Matthew did not fall victim to the spider’s venom. Hospital treatment involved antibiotic injections and surgery to remove the poison from the wound. Following a day in the hospital, he was discharged but required a regimen of medications to fully recover.

This incident serves as a reminder that even common insects can pose unexpected dangers, emphasizing the importance of awareness and prompt medical attention in such situations.