Fatal neuropathy in non venomous snake bite

[NicoleRussell]

A case of fatal progressive neuropathy Delayed consequence of multiple bites
of a non-venomous snake?

Chroni E, Papapetropoulos S, Argyriou AA, Papapetropoulos T.

Department of Neurology, University of Patras Medical School, P.O. Box 1045,
Rion-Patras 26500, Greece.

Neurotoxicity is a common feature of the acute syndrome of systemic snake
envenomation. In this report a patient with delayed onset of neurological
manifestations after multiple bites of a non-venomous snake is described.
The neurological cascade consisted of segmental painful muscle spasms
presented several days after the snake bites, which gradually subsided and
within a month was followed by muscle weakness in the legs. The latter
progressed to flaccid quadriplegia with additional respiratory and autonomic
failure leading to death after total disease duration of 5.5 months. The
possibility that this unique neurological syndrome of fatal progressive
neuropathy could be caused by either tetanus or an immune reaction initiated
by snakebites is discussed.

[SoberGuy]

Interesting. I'm curious what the non-venomous snake was. I think there's probably a lot of other factors that could have contributed, but 5.5 months is quite a while. I wonder if this guy sought medical attention at any point before it was too late.