Two cases of bites by the black-bellied swamp snake (Hemiaspis signata).

We report two cases of envenomation by the black bellied swamp snake, Hemiaspis signata, with expert identification of the snakes. In the first case a 12 year old boy, who after the removal of the pressure immobilisation bandage, developed decreased fibrinogen levels and positive cross-linked fibrinogen degradation products (XDPs), but normal prothrombin time and activated partial prothrombin time. These changes resolved over 8h with no treatment. In the second case a 7 year old boy had local pain, swelling and axillary lymphadenopathy following the bite. These cases indicate the potential for coagulopathy and local symptoms following bites by large specimens of H. signata in young children.