West Virginia
Copperhead Bites Send Former House Minority Leader To ICU – West Virginia Public Broadcasting
Doug Skaff, former minority leader for the West Virginia House of Delegates, was bitten by a pair of copperhead snakes three times Wednesday.
He was later admitted to the intensive care unit of the Charleston Area Medical Center for treatment, and will likely remain in the facility for several days. Skaff’s injury occurred while he was taking down promotional signs for his secretary of state campaign in the town of Danville, located in Boone County. On Tuesday, Skaff was defeated in the race for the Republican nomination for secretary of state during West Virginia’s primary election.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bites from venomous snakes like copperheads can affect breathing, blood flow and, in severe cases, limb function.
Skaff did not respond to requests for comment on this story, but told MetroNews that he is grateful for the medical care he has received.