Gaboon viper envenomation: An unexpected injury by non-indigenous snake in South Korea.

In recent years, various kinds of non-indigenous snakes have become popular as domestic pets globally. If the snake is highly venomous, this would be a potentially life-threatening emergency for breeders. In such a case, the specific antidote should be administered immediately for saving the life. "Salmusa" genus (e.g. Gloydius genus) is a representative indigenous venomous snake in South Korea. Therefore, only one antidote for the "Salmusa" genus is commercially available in South Korea. The Gaboon viper ( Bitis gabonica ) inhabits in the rainforests of sub-Saharan Africa. Its venom is very toxic for mammals. Victims of a Gaboon viper bite could result in die unless the appropriate antidote is administered timely. We report a case of a 20-year-old male who completely recovered from a Gaboon viper envenomation after receiving "Salmusa" antivenom (Kovax® ). This report reminds us that establishing an inventory of antidotes for potential toxic non-indigenous organisms is needed to enable successful treatment of emergency situations for public health.