Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology
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We report the first documented death due to a coral snake (Micrurus species) in the United States (U. S.) in over 40 years. The victim failed to seek medical care following the bite of an eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius) and succumbed within hours. ⋯ S. coral snakes are briefly reviewed in terms of their venom compositions, their clinical effects, and proper pre-hospital and hospital management. The clinical significance of the impending absence of commercially available antivenom for coral snake bites in the U. S. is highlighted.