Tengrinews.kz - Tengrinews.kz - Several residents of Almaty wrote to the editorial office of Tengrinews.kz at the end of summer and the beginning of September, reporting that they had found black widow spiders near their homes and also sent photos. The editorial office sent an official request to the city's public health department to find out the proper course of action if you encounter a dangerous spider on your property.
Tengrinews.kz - Tengrinews.kz - Several residents of Almaty wrote to the editorial office of Tengrinews.kz at the end of summer and the beginning of September, reporting that they had found black widow spiders near their homes and also sent photos. The editorial office sent an official request to the city's public health department to find out the proper course of action if you encounter a dangerous spider on your property.
In response to the inquiry, the department provided the following information:
"If you find a black widow spider in a residential area, you should contact the Almaty Department of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control at the address: Zhibek Zholy, 3a," the department informed.
It was also reported that no cases of black widow spider bites have been registered in the city over the past three years. Additionally, it was clarified that Almaty "is not an endemic region for black widow habitation."
The department also explained what to do if you are suddenly bitten by a black widow spider.
"The victim should urgently call an ambulance or go to the toxicology department of the nearest hospital. It is advisable to bring the spider for subsequent identification by specialists, which will help in determining the treatment," the department stated in response to our inquiry.
Aydin Yeszhanov, head of the Laboratory of Arachnology and Other Invertebrates at the Institute of Zoology, mentioned that in case of a bite, it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately and provide a detailed description of the incident and symptoms of poisoning.
Additionally, the expert recommended the following measures to combat black widows:
- when a spider is found, use insecto-acaricidal agents in liquid, powder, or aerosol form while strictly following safety precautions (gloves, mask, goggles);
- it is advisable to use glue traps placed in hidden areas around the property;
- regularly clean the area of construction and household debris, which serves as shelter for spiders.
Previously, Ministry of Healthcare has reported on the situation regarding Kazakhstanis affected by black widow spider bites. This year, this type of venomous spider has shown unprecedented activity in several regions of the country.