Child Snake-Bite Victim Transferred for Further Treatment

Alexa Strickland, 4, who was bitten by a rattlesnake in Agoura on Father's Day, has been transferred to Loma Linda University Medical Center to see a snake venom specialist, according to her father, Sean Strickland.

"Her blood levels have not improved, so the doctors at Tarzana Hospital felt she should see a specialist," Strickland said.

Alexa, who lives in San Diego, was visiting her Agoura grandparents who live on Park Colony Court, when she was bitten early Sunday evening, Strickland said.

"The kids [Alexa and her older brother] were out chasing lizards when my daughter came across the snake coiled up by the pool pump. When she lifted her foot to back away, it struck," said Strickland.

The girl's grandfather managed to chop the snake's head off and save it for identification when paramedics arrived, Strickland said. The paramedics then brought the girl to the fire station to locate a hospital that was equipped with anti-venom, which was Tarzana Hospital, he said.

The snake was identified as a 2-year-old diamondback rattlesnake by the paramedics, Strickland said.

Although Alexa's foot is still swollen and bruised, her spirits are improving, her father said. "She had her first good day on Wednesday," he said.

According to Dr. Cesar Chavarria, who initially treated her, Alexa  suffered three lesions and big blisters on the sole of her foot. "The good news is that she won't lose any toes or limbs because of it, and she responded well to the 19 vials of anti-venom required to treat the wound," Chavarria said.

The doctor offered advice to anyone bitten by a poisonous snake. "First, it's very important to bring in the snake, so we can identify which anti-venom to use," Chavarria said. "Once bitten, the best thing to do is to immobilize the victim and keep the body lower than the heart. Do not attempt to cut the wound or use a tourniquet, which can cause further damage."

Chavarria also said that there's a two hour window that the victim must be treated before serious damage and possible death can occur.

Capt. Tony Fina of local Fire Station 89 warned that there are rattlesnakes all over Agoura Hills, even in the housing tracts, and that residents need to take precautions to keep them away from their homes. "Keep clutter away from your house," he said. "Piles of wood and leaves attracts rats and mice, which in turn attracts the snakes. Snakes are just out looking for food, and if you've got rodents around, they'll come around."