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Seasnake Bites in a Freshwater Lake^*

George Watt AND R. David G. Theakston

U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 2, APO San Francisco, California 96528
World Health Organization Collaborative Centre for the Control of Antivenoms, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L35QA, England

One species of venomous seasnake, Hydrophis semperi, is found in Lake Taal, a large freshwater lake in the Philippines. The first series of seasnake bites occurring in freshwater is described. In one small fishing village, there were eight definite bites and one probably attributable death. In three of the eight patients, specific antibodies to Hydrophis venom were demonstrated. In contrast to previous seasnake studies, there was an absence of asymptomatic cases. The possible public health importance of freshwater seasnake bites in the Philippines needs further investigation.

Accepted for publication February 1, 1985.

^* The opinions and assertions contained herein are those of the authors and are not to be construed as official or reflecting the views of the U.S. Navy Department or the Naval Service at large.