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Pit latrines: A potential risk factor for latrodectism in rural South Africa?

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A Msiwa, S D Ntshalintshali

Abstract


Latrodectus spp. spider bites usually occur away from domestic sites, in the open fields or bushes. We report 3 cases of latrodectism that were identified to be associated with bites by these spiders in a rural domestic setting, specifically while the victim was using a pit latrine.


Authors' affiliations

A Msiwa, Department of Internal Medicine, Port Shepstone Hospital and School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa

S D Ntshalintshali, Division of Rheumatology, Tygerberg Hospital and Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa

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Keywords

Latrodectism; Spider bite; Pit latrine

Cite this article

South African Medical Journal 2019;109(11):848-849. DOI:10.7196/SAMJ.2019.v109i11.14121

Article History

Date submitted: 2019-10-31
Date published: 2019-10-31

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