“Myasthenia gravis (my-us-THEE-nee-uh GRAY-vis) may also be called MG. The name means serious muscle weakness, which is the main symptom. This muscle weakness often shows up in the face, with drooping eyelids being an early sign. Double or blurred vision, caused by weakness in the eye muscles, is another common symptom. Muscle weakness can extend to arms and legs. Smiling, chewing, swallowing and breathing can also be affected. MG is complicated. Every person who has it can have a slightly different experience.  That means MG is caused by your immune system not working the way it’s supposed to—it’s overactive. MG is not genetic (inherited), and it’s not contagious. It sometimes runs in families, but the reasons some people get it aren’t fully understood.’

MG United (https://www.mg-united.com)

“Aphasia is a condition that affects your ability to communicate. It can affect your speech, as well as the way you write and understand both spoken and written language.  The severity of aphasia depends on a number of conditions, including the cause and the extent of the brain damage.

Once the cause has been addressed, the main treatment for aphasia is speech and language therapy. The person with aphasia relearns and practices language skills and learns to use other ways to communicate. Family members often participate in the process, helping the person communicate.  People with aphasia may have different patterns of strengths and weaknesses. “.

MAYO CLINIC

“During and after a storm, most animals become disoriented and sometimes displaced. So wild animals, as well as stray domestic animals, can pose a danger.  Ferocious beasts of all shapes and sizes can be downright deadly. Some actively cause large numbers of human fatalities, while others are relatively unknown but extremely lethal when contact is made. It’s just part of the reason why animal advocates and wise tour guides always advise against touching or interacting with wildlife.  Stay far back whenever you see a animal you don’t own or commonly deal with around your home.”.

Conde Nest Traveler (https://www.cntraveler.com)

Alligators

Alligators are found primarily in the southeastern United States. They are normally pretty timid and in most cases will attempt to escape if approached. However, their skill at remaining motionless for extended periods and their ability to camouflage themselves can make it possible to stumble across them accidentally.

They are quick moving over short distances and have an incredibly powerful bite perfect for cracking open turtle shells. Like most animals, they can also be aggressive if they feel that their young are threatened. You should always remain a safe distance from these large reptiles and never provoke them.

• Size: 440–770 lbs
• Range: Southeastern U.S.

Cougars

Also known as pumas, mountain lions, panthers, and catamounts, these big cats can be ferocious fighters and live across the western United States. However, they do not see humans as prey, so attacks are extremely uncommon. Across the whole of North America, there have only been 88 recorded attacks and 20 fatalities since 1890.

Cougars that are starving for food are the most likely to attack. Juveniles who are searching out new territory can also be aggressive. These cats typically attempt to subdue their prey with a bite to the neck.

In the event of an encounter with an aggressive cougar, it is important to be loud and assertive. Look at the animal but avoid direct eye contact so as not to appear aggressive. Do make loud noises and try to appear as large as possible by opening your jacket. Throw sticks and stones in its direction (but not directly at it) to scare it off. Do not behave passively or try to play dead.

• Size: 64–220 lbs
• Range: All of U.S. (but much more common in western and central states)

Coyotes & Wolves

&

Coyotes are also able to mate with domestic dogs, producing “coydogs,” which are canines that have the predatory instincts of a coyote but may have less fear of humans, which can be a dangerous combination.

More of a threat to livestock than humans, coyotes and coydogs should be treated with respect and distance.

Wolves can behave aggressively towards people, but U.S. attack numbers are low, although they have increased in recent years. It is important to note that wolves are naturally afraid of humans, so attacks don’t happen very often.

Coyotes

• Size: 15–44 lbs
• Range: All of U.S.

Wolves

• Size: 82–88 lbs (average)
• Range: Forrested and mountainous areas in northern U.S.

Spiders

Black Widow

The two most venomous spiders in the U.S. are recluse spiders and widows. Despite its small size, the brown recluse is the most dangerous type of spider, with a bite that can develop into a necrotic ulcer capable of leading to gangrene and permanent tissue damage if untreated. This spider is also sometimes referred to as a “fiddle-back” because of the violin-shaped mark on its abdomen.

There are numerous species of widow spiders that live in the U.S. The black widow is the most notorious, given its recognizable markings and the dangerous bite of the female (as well as her habit of eating the male after mating with him). Thanks to anti-venom, the bite is not often fatal if medical treatment is sought out quickly.

Recluses

• Size: .5–1.5 inches (with legs)
• Range: Southern central U.S.

Bears

Bears have a ferocious reputation, but like other wild animals, they are unlikely to attack unless provoked, protecting their young, or starving. Usually, they will run away or stage mock charges. If you are unlucky enough to be attacked by a bear, you should fight back—not submit or play dead.

There are two main species to be found in the U.S.: brown bears (grizzlies) and black bears. Brown bears were once common, but population numbers have declined, and they are now only found in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Wyoming. Grizzlies are larger and more aggressive than black bears. They are especially dangerous because they have an exceptionally strong bite that is said to be powerful enough to crush a bowling ball.

Black bears are far more widespread and common than brown bears. Although they generally prefer to stay in forested areas, they can come into populated areas in search of food. Despite their name, black bears vary in color and aren’t necessarily black.

• Size: 90–500 lbs
• Range: Many parts of U.S.

10. Sharks, Stingrays, and Portuguese Man O’ War

Out in the oceans, there are a number of dangerous creatures to be aware of. Sharks have a ferocious reputation and are certainly capable of causing great harm, but it should also be noted that the number of shark attacks across the U.S. only averages around 16 each year, with some years seeing no fatalities. The three most dangerous species of sharks, which are responsible for the most attacks on people, are great white sharks, tiger sharks, and bull sharks.

In the Gulf of Mexico, there are a number of stingray species that rest underwater on sand and rocks. They won’t attack you, but if you stand on one by accident, they can strike with their barbed tails, which inflict a poisonous sting.

Another sea creature to be aware of is the Portuguese man o’ war. It looks similar to a jellyfish but is actually a colony of minute, interconnected organisms called zooids. Its venomous tentacles are capable of delivering an extremely painful sting.

Bull, Tiger, and White Sharks

Bull    VS 

White

Tiger

Bull Shark

• Size: 200–500 lbs in adults
• Range: Coastal regions

Tiger Shark

• Size: 200–2400 lbs
• Range: Coastal regions

White Shark

• Size: The Great White Shark is the largest predator fish in the world and is well known for its bite force of 18,216 newtons. If it is the largest predator.  This shark weight ranges from 1,200 – 2,400 lbs (Adult).  The size ranges from 15 – 21 ft. (Female, Adult), 11 – 13 ft. (Male, Adult).
  
• Range: Great white sharks live in almost all coastal and offshore waters which have water temperature between 12 and 24 °C (54 and 75 °F), with greater concentrations in the United States (Northeast and California), South Africa, Japan, Oceania, Chile, and the Mediterranean including Sea of Marmara and Bosphorus.

Stingrays

• Size: Varies by species
• Range: Coastal regions

Portuguese Man O’ War 

• Size: Tentacles can be up to 30 feet long
• Range: Coastal regions

Know this, as humans if we respect and keep our distance from wild animals when in their vicinity, we are very unlikely to come to harm.

“Stay a safe distance away from all unfamiliar animals, even if they seem friendly.  Do not corner an animal. If an animal needs to be removed, call your local animal control authorities. Do not try to catch it yourself.  If you are bitten by an animal, try to keep track of it. Call your local DHEC Environmental Affairs office county’s public health department to tell them what happened and describe the animal. Wash out wounds with soap and water, then go see your doctor immediately. Don’t leave garbage or pet food outside. It will attract wild and stray animals. Rats may also be a problem during and after a hurricane. If you must put garbage outside, be sure it is put in sturdy, metal cans with tight fitting lids.  Remove any animal carcasses in the area by contacting your local animal control authorities.  These steps will help keep wildlife away from home and again if you see a rare dangerous animal don’t check it out but get the proper assistance to keep you safe.”.

Department of Health and Environmental Control dhec.gov

It’s that time of the year to go on vacation during summer to area warm with beaches or even scuba dive during the vacation but here’s a warning on few creatures deadly to man if in the ocean water especially scuba diving.

Jelly Fish-The Sea Wasp=Box Jelly Fish

There are a number of species of box jellyfish, but they are all quite dangerous. The sea wasp box jellyfish is perhaps the most deadly variety. This translucent sea-dweller may not look all that menacing, but it is the most venomous animal on planet Earth. Box jellyfish are deadly to many different animals, not the least of all, us. If you get stung by one of these animals, you are very likely to die. Even if you do not, you will be in tremendous pain for some time afterward.  Box jellyfish are cnidarian invertebrates distinguished by their cube-shaped medusae. Some species of box jellyfish produce extremely potent venom: Chironex fleckeri, Carukia barnesi and Malo kingi. Stings from these and a few other species in the class are extremely painful and can be fatal to humans.

In Australia, fatalities are most often perpetrated by the largest species of this class of jellyfish. The recently discovered and very similar Chironex yamaguchii may be equally dangerous, as it has been implicated in several deaths in Japan.

Box jellyfish are known as the “suckerpunch” of the sea not only because their sting is rarely detected until the venom is injected, but also because they are almost transparent. In northern Australia, the highest risk period for the box jellyfish is between October and May, but stings and specimens have been reported all months of the year. Similarly, the highest risk conditions are those with calm water and a light, onshore breeze; however, stings and specimens have been reported in all conditions.

In Hawaii, box jellyfish numbers peak approximately seven to ten days after a full moon, when they come near the shore to spawn. Sometimes the influx is so severe that lifeguards have closed infested beaches, such as Hanauma Bay, until the numbers subside.

TREATMENT IF POSSIBE: Once a tentacle of the box jellyfish adheres to skin, it pumps nematocysts with venom into the skin, causing the sting and agonizing pain. Flushing with vinegar is used to deactivate undischarged nematocysts to prevent the release of additional venom. A 2014 study reported that vinegar also increased the amount of venom released from already-discharged nematocysts; however, this study has been criticized on methodological grounds.

Removal of additional tentacles is usually done with a towel or gloved hand, to prevent secondary stinging. Tentacles can still sting if separated from the bell, or after the creature is dead. Removal of tentacles may cause unfired nematocysts to come into contact with the skin and fire, resulting in a greater degree of envenomation.

Although commonly recommended in folklore and even some papers on sting treatment, there is no scientific evidence that urine, ammonia, meat tenderizer, sodium bicarbonate, boric acid, lemon juice, fresh water, steroid cream, alcohol, cold packs, papaya, or hydrogen peroxide will disable further stinging, and these substances may even hasten the release of venom. Heat packs have been proven for moderate pain relief. Pressure immobilization bandages, methylated spirits, or vodka should never be used for jelly stings. In severe Chironex fleckeri stings cardiac arrest can occur quickly. Going to the ER never hurts where the hopefully in Hawaii, Japan and other areas known for this problem are updated on the best treatment. Especially where oceans are nearby for the beach scene or scuba diving.

Cone Snail

Another ocean dweller to be wary of is the cone snail. It may not look like much, and you may easily mistake it for any other snail on the beach, but it is extremely deadly. Just one drop of its venom can kill twenty human adults. There is no antivenin, which means that if you are stung, you will almost certainly be dead within minutes. Who would think such a small dwelling creature could be so powerful in putting an end to a human life.

Cone snails, cone shells or cones are common names for a large group of small to large-sized predatory sea snails, marine gastropod molluscs. Until recently, over 600 species of cone snails were all classified under one genus, Conus, in one family, the Conidae.

National Geographic (NG) states about this species having it’s own siphon; along with having a breathing tube and is a toxic killer. Snails are usually thought of as slimy, small, and are great with butter sauce after cooked. In the waters of Southeast Asia this creature is considered a underwater tank that has a hard spiral shell and flexible treads. NG also states that down in front this snail is a shell that has a cannon. It has eyesight on each side and hunts primarily by scent using it’s siphon. One of its common prey is the fish which when the mammal detects the cone shell it hides under the rock usually rather that swim away (not a good choice). It still had move to remove. The shell has a long harpoon (a weapon made of modified tooth) in its tube inside the shell it releases by a contraction with its muscle. It releases in this harpoon a venom which can be deadly to the human; it is cocked and loaded aiming it at the fish deeper under the rock not being able to get free at all making the catch simplified for the cone snail and it strikes and paralyzes the fish the siphon sucks the fish in with now having a full belly. Now hides under the rock and sediment with the siphon sticking up as a warning till next time.

They live in the Indian and Pacific oceans, the Caribbean and Red seas, and along the coast of Florida. They are not aggressive. The sting usually occurs when divers in deep reef waters handle the snails. Swimmers and snorkelers are unlikely to find cone snails in shallow intertidal waters. Their empty shells are prized items on sandy beaches. They are nocturnal (more active at night) and they tend to burrow themselves in the sand and coral during the day. Cone snail shells range in size from less than an inch to 9 inches long. Cone snails mainly hunt worms and other snails. A few varieties of cone snails eat fish, and these are the most harmful to humans.

Most stings occur on the hands and fingers due to handling. Mild stings are similar to a wasp or bee sting with localized burning and sharp stinging symptoms. They can be intense and also have numbness and tingling to the wounded area.

Some sting symptoms can progress to include cyanosis (blueness at the site due to decreased blood flow), and even numbness or tingling involving an entire limb.

Severe cases show total limb numbness that progresses to the area around the mouth (perioral) and then the entire body. Paralysis (inability to move a part or entire body) can occur leading to paralysis of the diaphragm which stops the ability to breath.

Coma and death can result in severe cases where the diaphragm is paralyzed.

Other symptoms that can occur include: fainting (syncope), itching, loss of coordination, heart failure, difficulty speaking. difficulty breathing, and double vision.

Symptoms can begin within minutes or take days to appear after the venom is injected. 

So again Scuba Divers watch out on your vacation and what you handle!

Treatment:

If SCUBA diving, the diver stung should safely surface immediately accompanied by another diver.

There is no antivenom available for cone snail stings.

Use the pressure immobilization technique:  Use an elastic bandage (similar to ACE bandage) to wrap the limb starting at the distal end (fingers or toes) and wrap toward the body. It should be tight but the fingers and toes should remain pink so that the circulation is not cut off.  The extremity should also be immobilized with a splint or stick of some sort to prevent it from bending at the joints.  The elastic bandage should be removed for 90 seconds every 10 minutes and then reapplied for the first 4 to 6 hours. (Hopefully medical care can be received within this time period.)

Other treatment options that may help include:

1. Immerse the affected area in water as hot as is tolerable (water temperature not to exceed 140 F or 60 C).
2. Inject a local anesthetic into the wound area.
3. Some reports suggest that
4. Edrophonium (Enlon, Tensilon) 10 mg IV may be used as therapy for paralysis. A 2-mg test-dose should first be administered IV, and if effective, followed by an additional 8-mg dose IV. Atropine (Atreza, Sal-Tropine) 0.6 mg should be immediately available for intravenous administration in case of an adverse reaction to edrophonium.
5. A 2 to 4 mg dose naloxone (Narcan) given IV may help treat severe hypotension (low blood pressure).
6. Local excision (cutting out the area stung) by a health care professional (controversial and not widely recommended)
7. Incision and suction (controversial and not widely recommended)

Other things that may be done:

1. Avoid excessive movement and keep the patient calm and warm.
2. CPR may be necessary. Artificial respiration may save the person’s life.
3. Do not cut into the wound, apply suction, or use a tourniquet. 
4. BUT going to the nearest ER is the best bet! 

 Black Mamba

The Black Mamba is considered to be the longest venomous of all snakes found around Africa. It is also considered to be one of the deadliest. It features a very powerful venom and that has many people running scared from it. They are fast moving snakes and they are know to be aggressive and strike in a moments notice. Black mambas live in the savannas and rocky hills of southern and eastern Africa. They are Africa’s longest venomous snake, reaching up to 14 feet (4.5 meters) in length, although 8.2 feet (2.5 meters) is more the average. They are also among the fastest snakes in the world, slithering at speeds of up to 12.5 miles per hour (20 kilometers per hour).You may be puzzled why they have such a name though as they aren’t black in color. Instead they are gray, olive, or brownish. The color will depend on the natural habitat of the species. They have to be able to blend in if they want the best chance of finding prey. This camouflage also helps them to reduce the chances of being noticed by various predators. They get their name from the blue-black of the inside of their mouths, which they display when threatened.Even though they are very aggressive they do take the chance to escape when they can. Since this snake is so fast they will often do so. However, if they feel backed into a corner, they have eggs around them, or they are agitated they will strike fast. Black mambas are shy and will almost always seek to escape when confronted. When the snake feels its being cornered, these snakes will raise their heads, sometimes with a third of their body off the ground, spread their cobra-like neck-flap, open their black mouths, and hiss. If an attacker persists, the mamba will strike not once, but repeatedly, injecting large amounts of potent neuro- and cardiotoxin with each strike. It is really amazing to see but I do recommend on T.V. not in person.  Many people believe them to be evil due to that particular characteristic. It is a myth that has been passed down in many cultures for hundreds of years. This particular snake is able to move at a speed of up to 12.5 miles per hour for long distances.However, it is quite thin with an overall size of about 3 ½ pounds. In spite of being so thin though they are very strong. This is also a very fast moving type of snake so don’t underestimate what you are dealing with.

Treatment:

Remember, the venom of the black mamba is highly toxic, commonly causing collapse in humans within 45 minutes or less from a single bite. Without effective antivenom therapy, death typically occurs in 7–15 hours. The venom is chiefly composed of neurotoxins, specifically dendrotoxin.

Treatment of a bite by a neurotoxic snake such as a cobra or mamba:

* Stay calm and breathe gently.

* Immediately apply a crepe bandage firmly around the wound, as if for a muscle sprain. This will reduce the amount of venom entering the bloodstream but should not cut off circulation.

* Do not apply a tourniquet.

* Never try and suck the venom out.

*Transport the person to hospital as soon as possible as these snakes have potent venom and anti-venom will be needed.

If you are bitten by a cytotoxic snake such as a black mamba: 

* Drink plenty of fluid unless you have trouble swallowing.

* Apply a sterile dressing to the wound.                                

* Never try and suck the venom out with your mouth.

* Do not squeeze the bite.

* Do not apply a tight bandage or tourniquet.

*Transport the person to hospital as soon as possible. You need the ANTIVENOM!!