Definition

This article describes the effects of a stingray sting.

Poisonous Ingredient

  • stingray venom

Where Found

  • stingrays
  • related species

Symptoms

  • body as a whole
    • pain and swelling of the lymph nodes in the area of the bite
    • bleeding
    • sweating
    • severe pain at site of sting
    • swelling
    • weakness
    • generalized cramps
    • headache
  • respiratory
    • difficulty breathing
  • gastrointestinal
    • nausea
    • vomiting
    • diarrhea
  • heart and blood vessels
    • low blood pressure
  • nervous system

Home Treatment

Wash the area with salt water. Remove any foreign material at the wound site. Contact an emergency room. Soak the wound in the hottest water the patient can tolerate for 30-90 minutes, if instructed to do so.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following:

  • the patient's age, weight, and condition
  • the name of the marine animal
  • the time of the sting
  • the area of the body affected

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital, and any appropriate first aid that can be administered prior to arrival.

What to expect at the emergency room

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

  • Wash the area
  • Remove any foreign material possible
  • Soak the wound
  • Give anti-tetanus if necessary
  • Give antibiotic if necessary
  • Treat the symptoms

Expectations (prognosis)

Recovery usually takes about 24-48 hours. Death has occurred when the patient's chest or abdomen was punctured.

Review Date:2/13/2006
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.