Conical snail poisoning

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What are cone snails?

Cone snails are beautifully patterned snails with a cone or cone-shaped house. They come in different sizes and colors and are often mistaken for seashells. Their home is the tropical and subtropical seas, where their empty shells can often be found on the beach. However, snail shells lying in shallow water are mostly still inhabited by the snails.

Cone snails have a small poisonous arrow that they can shoot into the skin of whoever touches them, for example by picking them up. Some species with their venom can cause life-threatening symptoms in humans.

What are the symptoms?

In most cases, the bite of the cone snail leads to severe pain and swelling at the puncture site. In the next few minutes, the poison spreads in the body and leads to symptoms of paralysis. The poison can even cause respiratory paralysis. In addition, weakness, balance disorders, sweating and increased salivation occur.

Which measures are useful?

After contact with the venom of the cone snail, medical help must be sought immediately. There is no antidote (antiserum) against the venom of the cone snail. Therapy depends on the extent and intensity of the symptoms.