A man of about 30, originally from Nepal, was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit at Lamia General Hospital following a suspected spider bite, according to lamianow.gr.

The man was doing farm work in the Amfikleia area when he was bitten. His condition worsened, making ICU treatment necessary.

The type of spider responsible hasn’t been identified yet. Initial reports describe it as a “black spider,” though no confirmed details are available about the exact circumstances.

It remains an open question whether the severity of his condition is linked to a strong bodily reaction or a possible allergic response to the bite. It hasn’t been clarified whether the man had a history of allergies or whether his symptoms are due solely to the venom’s effects.

The Mediterranean Black Widow Is Also Found in Greece

One of the venomous spider species found in Greece is the Mediterranean black widow (Latrodectus tredecimguttatus), part of the Latrodectus genus. Its venom can cause, after a bite, intense pain, muscle cramps or spasms, heavy sweating, abdominal pain, rapid heartbeat, and changes in blood pressure.

In most cases, treatment is supportive, though in rare cases more serious complications can develop, sometimes requiring hospital monitoring or even ICU care.

Greece is home to spider species whose venom can, in certain cases, cause serious symptoms, and reactions can vary significantly from person to person.

The Mediterranean black widow can also be found in rural areas, particularly in dry, warm spots, low vegetation, under rocks, in crevices, or near storage sheds and other sheltered outdoor locations.

Bites have been recorded during farm work, mainly in the warmer months, when contact with its natural habitat is more likely. The spider is not considered aggressive and typically bites only when pressed against, trapped, or in direct contact with a person’s body or clothing.