Sicily, man dies after violin spider bite

A 52-year-old Carabinieri officer serving in the court escort service in Palermo passed away last night at Cervello Hospital after being bitten by a violin spider.

Franco Aiello, 52, spent last Sunday in the countryside. Upon returning home, he noticed redness on his ankle. He was admitted to Cervello Hospital on Wednesday, and his condition quickly deteriorated.

"Dear Franco," his friends wrote on Facebook in a group for Isola delle Femmine – "you will be missed by everyone here. Memories are the most powerful weapon of all: no one can erase them, and the strongest ones even survive the passage of time without thinking about the victims it claims. We will especially miss your honesty, your way of seeing life and facing the world; your friendship and confidence, your role as a precious guardian of many of our secrets. You will be missed in every way a person can be missed."

What is the Violin Spider?
The violin spider is a modestly sized, seemingly inconspicuous but extremely dangerous spider. It is known as Loxosceles rufescens, also referred to as the violin spider due to a distinctive mark resembling a musical instrument on its body. It has a brownish-yellow color with long legs. The violin spider can reach sizes of 7 mm (male body) and 9 mm (female body). In homes, the violin spider can find shelter behind furniture, skirting boards, under cardboard boxes, and even inside gloves, footwear, and particularly among linens. Habitats for the violin spider also include attics, basements, and bathrooms. It is among the most venomous spiders in Italy.

Characteristics of the Violin Spider Bite?
Initially, the bite is asymptomatic, painless, and the affected area shows no alterations. Hours after the spider bite, a reddened lesion appears with itching, burning, and tingling, which within 48-72 hours can become necrotic and may ulcerate. In addition to injecting venom, the violin spider's bite can transmit anaerobic bacteria (microorganisms that live without oxygen) into the tissues, which proliferate and complicate the course of the lesion. Their action causes the liquefaction of the tissues. In severe cases, symptoms may include fever, skin rash, bruises, muscle damage, kidney issues, and bleeding. In many cases, hyperbaric chamber treatment may be necessary.

What to Do in Case of a Violin Spider Bite?
Thoroughly wash the area with soap and water. If the presence of the spider is noticed, try to capture the animal, and even if killed, preserve it. Identification is possible even if the spider is badly damaged: examining the head under a microscope reveals the presence of 6 eyes instead of 8, which is typical for most other spiders. A photo can also help, ensuring that the front part of the spider is clearly visible and in focus.