Part 2

CONE SHELLS
[/U         o Phylum Mollusca, Class Gastropoda, Family Conidae. These cones possess a detachable, dart-like radicular tooth or muscular proboscis. The venom is complex composed of two or more substances, one neuromuscular (causing sustained contractions), the other inhibits nerve excitability.

 Person affected complains of unexpected stinging pain in the hands or feet while deliberately or unknowingly encountering a cone shell during diving or reef walking.

Symptoms
o      Swelling and pain in the involved body part
o      Numbness, either localized to the extremity or more generalized
o      Nausea, difficulty in swallowing, or vomiting
o      Malaise, weakness, or paralysis
o      Difficulty in breathing which may be fatal

Treatment:
Immobilize the limb, apply a pressure dressing, administer CPR if needed. Cleanse the puncture site, give analgesics and give tetanus prevention.

Seek immediate medical treatment as patient/person may develop respiratory distress or require debridement