First record of human envenomation by Atractaspis congica Peters, 1877 (Squamata: Atractaspididae)

We describe here the first known documented case of human envenomation by the burrowing asp Atractaspis congica. The patient received a single fang puncture in the index finger and suffered local pain, discolouration, blistering and swelling of the finger, hand and forearm. Analgesics were given, but no antivenom. Recovery was complete within 48 h, saves some moderate swelling, blistering and hypersensitivity.