TULSA, Okla. — A pregnant woman is still recovering from a brown recluse spider bite that happened while she was sleeping happened about a month ago.
Tulsa resident Kendall Butler said she woke up, killed the spider and took it to the hospital with her immediately.
Doctors were able to stop the infection and keep her unborn child safe by using antibiotics. However, she does have a large area of skin on her stomach that died because of the spider’s venom.
Doctors said they don’t want to fully treat the wound yet because of the baby. Originally, the plan was to evacuate the wound and then look into skin grafts once the child is born.
Now, Butler’s doctors say the wound needs to be evacuated sooner. They will wait until July 10 when the baby is seven weeks from the due date. Experts believe she’ll be strong enough by then to be born early, just in case anything happens during the procedure.
WHAT IS A BROWN RECLUSE?
A brown recluse spider is primarily found in south central and Midwestern states. They vary in size, but with their legs extended, they are usually about the size of a quarter. They are typically tan to dark brown with no stripes.
Brown recluse spiders are not aggressive, according to entomologists. In fact, officials say it is common for a building to be infested but no one to ever be bitten. The spider usually bites when it is accidentally trapped against bare skin, like when rolling over in bed.
Entomologists said the bite is usually painless and it often takes three to eight hours before the victim becomes aware of it. The bite usually first becomes swollen, red and tender.
About 90 percent of bites heal within three weeks without serious issues. However, in a few cases, the victim may develop a necrotic lesion, appearing as a "dry, sinking bluish patch with irregular edges, a pale center and peripheral redness." The venom destroys the skin and can leave a deep scar.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT BROWN RECLUSES
A Green Country entomologist said that Oklahoma’s mild winter caused more dangerous insects to come out early.
Experts say people should take precautions against insects while outside, but that there isn’t much to be done indoors but have homes sprayed.
The Centers for Disease Control says that even though people fear bug spray with DEET is bad for pregnant women, it's actually recommended with the same precautions as those who are not pregnant or lactating.
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