Sasha Godsman, seven, spotted a spider at school and picked it up and placed it outside through a window.
The spider left Sasha with a bite mark on Thursday, July 6. Initially, it seemed insignificant as she returned home showing no signs of discomfort. However, by the next day, the bite had swollen dramatically, so she attended the local walk-in centre.
The family from Aspley, Nottinghamshire was recommended to consult their GP by the centre. The GP advised immediate attention at A&E as the bite had turned septic.
Sasha found herself at Queen’s Medical Centre for almost a week, with her situation complicating due to a Strep A infection from the bite.
Sasha’s mum, Sandra Booth, 55, said the spider was later identified as a brown recluse. Sasha’s wound may need a skin graft, although the hope remains her skin may regenerate naturally.
Mrs Booth said: “Sasha saw the spider, picked it up and put it outside. It’s just like her to try and help things out, but it bit her whilst she had it in her hand. She probably didn’t even feel it because it was just one pinprick.
“She came home on Thursday and when we saw the bite we thought nothing of it, because it was really small. But Thursday night, she was tossing and turning and becoming frustrated because she couldn’t get comfortable.
“When she got up on Friday morning, it was there. It was crazy, the blister had bubbled right round to where her knuckles were, they were red raw.”
The spider had bitten Sasha’s left hand and medics were able to identify the species of spider after assessing the bite and resulting infection. The venomous bite of the ‘brown recluse’ has caused extensive damage to the skin between Sasha’s first and second fingers, an area which may require a skin graft.
The brown recluse, as stated by Encyclopedia Britannica, is more common in the western and southern United States, though sporadic reports of sightings in the UK exist. It has a body length of approximately 7mm and a leg span of about an inch.
The NHS clarifies many insect bites can be treated at home or with assistance from a pharmacist. However, they emphasise the importance of seeking medical attention if symptoms deteriorate, if there is dizziness or if a large area around the bite becomes red and swollen.
In situations where a skin rash develops, including symptoms such as itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin, the NHS strongly advises to call 999. Sasha was discharged from QMC on Wednesday, July 12, with the affected skin wrapped up, pending a follow-up visit to assess if a skin graft is required.
Mrs Booth informed Sasha’s school, Ambleside Academy, about the incident, including the type of spider and symptoms so that first aiders are prepared should another bite occur. Mrs Booth said: “It’s shocking to think something so little could be so dangerous.”
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