Residents of Kazakhstan's Shymkent are complaining about the invasion of karakurt, a poisonous black widow spider species found in the steppe, media reports.
Pensioner Vladimir Kravtsov shared his experience of being bitten by a karakurt spider while spending a hot night outside. He only realized it was a venomous insect after the bite caused him immense pain, and his son found the spider near his shoes. His son quickly burned the bite site and called for an ambulance, but Vladimir had to stay in the hospital for three weeks due to his high sugar levels.
Other city residents have also noticed an increase in karakurt infestations, which they suspect may have been brought in through the massive construction projects in the area.
Doctors have warned residents to be cautious as a karakurt bite can be fatal, especially for those with chronic diseases.
The toxicology department has already received 17 patients with karakurt bites this year, most of them being men who are more likely to encounter spiders due to their work. The pain from a karakurt bite begins within 5-15 minutes and can be burning and achy, spreading throughout the body.
Children and those with chronic diseases are more vulnerable to the effects of a bite.
Doctors advise extra caution from July to August when karakurt bites are most dangerous, as all adults die by the end of October.
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