Common from north to south of Santa Catarina, Mikrurus coral It is a species of true coral snake whose venom is considered the deadliest in Brazil due to the speed with which it spreads through the bloodstream and the severity of the damage to the nervous system.

To get a better view, no data+ spoke with biologist Gilberto Adémar Duve from Jaragua do Sul, an expert in wildlife rescue and environmental education. Verify!

Micrurus Corallinus Specimen Specimen – Photo: Personal archive/Cedido/ND

“In Brazil, we have over 30 species of true coral and over 60 species of coral that we call ‘false’ coral because they don’t have venom (poison) or, if they do, they are not lethal to humans. “, Duve explained.

According to the biologist, “theoretically, based on its characteristics, it could be said that coral poison is the most dangerous and most potent in the country.”

He added that “the question of [a ação do veneno] To be or not to be stronger depends a lot on the situation. For example, if a viper bites a person in an area with a large blood supply, such as an artery, it can be even more dangerous than a real coral bite. It depends on the location of the body and the human body.

Duve also stressed that although it is the deadliest poison, it only accounts for 1% of snake accidents in Brazil.

This species feeds on other snakes and may even eat other species of the same size. They mainly like water snakes and opium snakes. They tend to stay close to the ground, in vegetation called the serra-pileira.

In the event of an encounter with any of these animals, the biologist warns: “Whenever you meet a very red coral snake, consider it a real poisonous coral. It is recommended not to try to google, look for rules on the Internet, it does not work that way. Only experts know how to distinguish real coral from a fake.”

“In such situations, contact the responsible agency to remove the animal,” Duve recommended.

The effect of poison on the body

UFSC Professor of Pathology and Toxicology (Federal University of Santa Catarina) Marlene Zannin, now retired, explained how the effects of this species’ venom on the human body and symptoms.

According to Marlene, “the venom of M. corallinus has neurotoxic activity and acts on the neuromuscular junctions of the motor nerves.” “Its main action is presynaptic, preventing the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (a hormone directly related to the regulation of memory, learning and sleep),” he added.

The first symptoms and where to look for an antidote

Marlene explained that the symptoms usually start in the muscles closest to the trunk and spread to the diaphragm. The most serious condition is respiratory paralysis. If the patient reaches this state, they will need extended support in the intensive care unit to breathe with respirators.

In Greater Florianopolis, antivenom for coral snake venom is available from HU (University Hospital), HIJG (Joan de Gusmão Children’s Hospital) and the Regional Hospital.