Northern California hospital runs out of antivenom saving man bitten by rattlesnake

An Idaho father is recovering at home after a near-fatal encounter with a rattlesnake during a vacation in Northern California that required a hospital’s entire supply of antivenom to keep him alive.

The encounter highlights a “concerning” surge in rattlesnake bites in California this year, state poison control officers said.

Chris Howarth, his wife Jenny and their three children were visiting his parents in Oroville near Chico last month when he was bitten twice by a western rattlesnake while working in the backyard, Chico-based Action News Now reported July 3.

Howarth’s wife immediately drove him to Oroville Hospital, where he began showing signs of a reaction to the venom, including trouble breathing.

One of the bites reached his vein, Howarth told SFGate, sending venom into his bloodstream.

Within 24 hours, Howarth received 18 vials of antivenom at the hospital. Three days later, his condition worsened with swelling in his legs, requiring infusions of plasma and platelets as well as additional antivenom.

By the fifth day, the hospital was completely out of antivenom, Howarth told Action News Now.

Howarth was then flown to Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto where he continued to receive antivenom for another six days before he was released 11 days after the bite.

In total, Howarth received 54 vials of antivenom – 36 at the Oroville hospital, 18 at Stanford – according to a GoFundMe campaign set up to help with medical expenses.

Launched on July 5, the campaign had generated $9,629 in donations as of Tuesday, July 14.

Howarth’s case is part of a surge in rattlesnake encounters in California this year, according to the California Poison Control System, which reported in May that it had already received nearly 80 calls related to rattlesnake encounters five months into the year, compared to an average 200 calls a year. Three of those encounters this year were fatal, which CPCS medical expert Dr. Rais Vohra called “deeply concerning” in a May news release. On average, the state sees one rattlesnake-related death a year, according to officials.

“The number of bites and fatalities this early in the year underscores the importance of awareness and prevention,” Dr. Vohra said.

Here are some tips from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to help you avoid coming face to face with a rattlesnake.

As the name implies, rattlesnakes are most commonly recognized by the distinct “ch ch ch” sound their rattles make. But, they don’t always use them. So, you can also identify them by their gray or light brown exterior and triangular shaped head. They usually range from 2 to 4 feet in length and easily camouflage to their surroundings.

When hiking, the Department of Fish and Wildlife recommends that people stay on well-used trails and avoid high grass, wear sturdy boots and loose-fitting long pants when walking through brushy, wild areas and avoid wearing flip-flops or sandals.

The department also recommends hikers check logs or rocks before sitting on them, and shake out sleeping bags before getting in.

Do not grab “sticks” in the water, as rattlesnakes can swim. Do not try to handle or touch a rattlesnake, even if they are dead.

Homeowners can prevent rattlesnakes from residing around their home by taking care of any rodent problems, cutting the grass and keeping doors and garages closed.

According to the Mayo Clinic, a bite from a venomous snake will cause severe burning pain at the bite site within 30 minutes. This can be followed by swelling and bruising at the wound and all the way up the arm or leg. Other signs and symptoms include nausea, labored breathing and a general sense of weakness, as well as an odd taste in the mouth.

If you or a companion are bitten by a rattlesnake, the Mayo Clinic recommends to do the following:

• Call 911 immediately and get to a hospital as quickly as possible.
• Minimize movement to slow the spread of venom through the bloodstream.
• Take off rings, watches, or tight clothing, as the affected limb will likely swell significantly.
• Keep the bite site even with or slightly below the level of the heart.
• For pets, contact a veterinarian immediately; many emergency clinics now stock specialized antivenom for dogs.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife also has a list of things to not do in the event of a snake bite:

• Do not apply ice or heat to the wound.
• Do not use a tourniquet or any constricting bands.
• Do not attempt to “suck out” the venom or cut the bite site.
• Do not consume alcohol or take aspirin.

As for the Howarth family, Jenny told SFGate they are grateful Chris is recovering and they want to use the experience to raise awareness of the dangers of rattlesnakes.

“We just want people to know how serious it can be,” Jenny said.