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Water Moccasin Bite Symptoms

According to the Ohio Public Library Information Network, the water moccasin, or cottonmouth, is one of the most deadly snakes in North America. The snake grows from 20 to 75 inches in length and can be identified by a thick dark body and white coloration on the interior of its mouth. This white coloration is what earned the species the nickname "cottonmouth." A bite from one of these snakes is deadly if not treated immediately and produces several tell-tale symptoms that typically surface within 15 minutes.

  1. Swelling

    • A bite from a water moccasin can cause swelling of the bite area, states The New York Times Health Guide. The limb will usually begin to swell profusely, beginning at the area of bite and spreading outward.

    Pain

    • According to Alan Tennant author of Snakes of North America, a bite from a water moccasin is typically accompanied by sharp, burning pain. The pain is experienced at the time of the snake bite and usually worsens as time goes on.

    Vomiting and Nausea

    • A water moccasin bite can cause nausea and vomiting, according to The University of Florida. The vomiting can be accompanied by a minty, metallic or rubbery taste in the mouth. Nausea and vomiting typically occur within five to 10 minutes from the time of the bite.

    Numbness

    • Numbness and tingling often occur at the area of a water moccasin bite wound, according to The New York Times Health Guide. These symptoms usually appear within 30 seconds of the bite and can increase to complete loss of sensation at the area surrounding the bite. In some cases, the numbness and tingling sensation spreads throughout the entire body.

    Discoloration

    • According to The University of Florida, the skin at and around the area of the bite often begins to discolor within two to five minutes from the time of the bite. Discoloration varies between hues and can range between blue, green and grey. This discoloration can quickly spread throughout the entire body.

    Weak Pulse

    • A weak pulse and lowered blood pressure often accompany a water moccasin bite, states The New York Times Health Guide. The blood pressure might lower so severely that it can scarcely be felt at major arteries. These symptoms are often accompanied by dizziness and even fainting.

    Shock

    • A water moccasin bite can cause circulatory shock according to The University of Florida. When the victim goes into shock they will typically experience hypotension, rapid and shallow repetitions, weak pulse, and dilated pupils. This can occur at any time after the victim is bitten.

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