[Chronic pain and impairment of function after a sting by the great weaver fish (Trachinus draco)].

A 50-year-old fisherman was stung in his right hand by a Great Weever fish (Trachinus draco). The crew did not have sufficient medical knowledge to adequately treat him on board. Severe pain, oedema of the hand, fever, vomiting and syncope occurred. Treatment with antibiotics, on board, after disembarkation and later in hospital for six days reduced the severity of the symptoms. However, two years after the accident, the patient still suffered from a dysfunction of the right hand as well as extreme fatigue and intermittent joint complaints. The symptoms mostly commonly arising from a Weever fish sting are: severe pain, local erythema and oedema. Systemic symptoms may sometimes occur: headache, syncope, bradycardia, fever and hypotension. The symptoms of continuous joint pain and severe fatigue following a Weever sting have not been previously described. The Weever fish venom contains a mixture of biogenous amines, of which some are known: 5-hydroxytryptamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine and histamine. The venom's composition has yet to be fully elucidated. In the event of a Weever fish sting, the first aid which should be given is: clean the wound and immerse the affected part of the body for at least 30 minutes in water which is as hot as the victim can tolerate (40-45 degrees C). Persons at risk from Weever fish stings are bathers, especially from the Lesser Weever fish (Echiichthys vipera), and sea fishermen. General practitioners and first aiders in coastal areas as well as sea fishermen should be informed about the first aid to be given in the event of a Weever sting.