A teenager’s search for a missing cat took a frightening turn when he was bitten by a false widow spider, resulting in a serious injury. On July 3, 2023, Robert Saniola-Burlton, 16, and his mother, Virva Saniola, scoured bushes in a park near their home in Sittingbourne, Kent, looking for their pet, Rusty. The search ended with Robert suffering a severe reaction to the spider bite, which left a significant wound on his leg.
Initially, Robert noticed a large swelling on his right knee after returning home from the hunt. His mother, a hairdresser, suspected it could be a sting from a wasp or bee. However, as the swelling developed painful blisters that later burst, it became clear that the situation was more serious. Robert described the sensation as if his leg was “on fire,” making it difficult for him to walk.
Concerned about her son’s condition, Virva took Robert to a local walk-in centre. Medical professionals confirmed that he had been bitten by a false widow spider, a species known for its potentially harmful bites. According to the National Health Service (NHS), bites from this spider can cause necrosis of the flesh, leading to severe infections.
After several visits to the clinic, doctors treated the infected area by removing a layer of dead skin and prescribed antibiotics. Thankfully, Robert responded well to the treatment and made a complete recovery over the course of two weeks. Despite his recovery, he will bear a permanent scar as a reminder of the incident.
Reflecting on the experience, Robert expressed his surprise at the severity of the bite. “I didn’t feel the bite at all; I just noticed the lump when I got back,” he said. “I thought it was just a bee sting but was shocked when it started blisters.” He has since become more vigilant regarding spiders, a sentiment echoed by his mother.
Virva recounted their search for Rusty, highlighting the lengths they went to find their beloved pet. “We were out there every night looking for him,” she explained. “We were in the bushes, and we think that’s when the spider crawled up his leg and bit him.”
The incident has heightened their awareness of potential dangers in nature. Virva stated, “This has made me even more terrified of spiders. I now keep spider repellent sprays in the house.” She urges others to be cautious, noting, “Even if it’s a small spider, it could be a false widow spider.”
As the family continues their search for Rusty, Robert’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the unexpected risks that can arise during seemingly ordinary activities. The case has drawn attention to the presence of false widow spiders in the UK, raising awareness about the need for vigilance while exploring outdoor areas.
