Man hospitalised after bite from spider (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Man hospitalised after bite from spider

4:31pm Tuesday 19th August 2008

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A STAFF member at Dobbies Garden Centre in Cirencester was taken to hospital after being bitten on the arm by a Wolf Spider.

The man, who lives in the town, was treated with anti-venoms at Cirencester Hospital after his arm swelled up to twice its normal size.

The Wolf Spider, which originates in Europe and can measure up to 10 cm in length, is not considered to be particularly dangerous and the species is fairly common in the UK nowadays.

Symptoms of a Wolf Spider bite include swelling, mild pain and itching.

Experts say that this type of spider is not particularly aggressive but will inject venom freely if continually provoked.

Paul Hilliam, general manager of Dobbies Garden World in Cirencester, said: "A member of staff working in our outdoor compost area was bitten by a Wolf Spider on Friday just gone.

"The member of staff was taken to hospital and anti-venom was administered as a precautionary measure until the spider bite could be identified. The member of staff recovered fairly quickly and is back at work.

"Dobbies reported the incident through all necessary official channels and liaised with both private and council pest controllers to fully resolve the matter."

A spokesman for Gloucestershire PCT said: "Staff sought specialist advice and the patient was able to leave the hospital later that day after receiving medical treatment."

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