Expanding distributions of red back spiders and bites in Japan from 2011 to 2013

[Abstract] : In Japan, fourteen bites by the red back spider, Latrodectus hasseltii, were reported in four hospitals between 2011 and 2013 in a survey of sentinel hospitals. The distribution of the spider and the areas in which patients were bitten by the spider both expanded geographically each year. Although fatalities or severely ill patients are yet to be reported in Japan, stockpiles of the antivenom and communication with the public and medical professionals should be considered.