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This is the second edition of the book originally published under the title Medical Emergencies Caused by Aquatic Animals: A Zoological and Clinical Guide. Including updated chapters, new content and additional references, it discusses follow-up with patients, describes diseases that are not emergencies and explains procedures that can take place at health stations and outpatient centers, focusing on clinical and biological aspects relevant to researchers and practitioners alike. The chapter on Invertebrate Aquatic Animals presents facts and advances that were left out of the first edition. In addition, it includes improved images. The subtopic on Cnidaria presents recent data on outbreaks and new species identification in unprecedented areas, with a timely discussion on first aid treatment. The chapter on Injuries by Vertebrate Aquatic Animals has been improved, based on continued work with bathers and fishermen. Featuring numerous images and representative clinical cases, it explores the most significant injuries caused by fish around the globe. The chapter on Ingestion of Aquatic Venomous Animals: Toxinology, Clinical Aspects, and Treatment discusses outbreaks of intoxication diseases from eating fish and seafood, drawing on reliable records of serial cases of Haff's syndrome, scombroidism and ciguatera. Further, it examines the indiscriminate consumption of aquatic animals, which the author argues present the same (or even greater) risks of poisoning and infections as terrestrial animals. Lastly, since there is a general lack of awareness of the risk of infections in aquatic environments, the chapter on Bacterial and Fungal Infections in Aquatic Environments describes the symptoms and treatments and highlights preventive measures.

The present book is intended as a reference guide for emergency and ambulatory care medicine, providing essential information on the most important problems and incidents caused by venomous, poisoning and traumatic marine and freshwater animals. Indeed, though emergencies caused by aquatic animals are becoming increasingly common, there are few reference books devoted to providing medical guidance on them. The book includes a wealth of original images of injuries caused by aquatic animals, while the text covers the current state knowledge on the subject, including the identification of the animals, the clinical aspects of the envenomation/poisonings/injuries, first aid and emergency care, main treatment alternatives and a typical case representing each group of animals. Chapters are organized according to zoological groups: Marine and Freshwater Invertebrates (Porifera, Cnidarians, Annelida, Mollusks, Echinodermata) and Marine and Freshwater Vertebrates (Fish and Reptiles). Medical Emergencies Caused By Aquatic Animals: A Zoological and Clinical Guide is intended for students and professionals in Medicine (Dermatology, Tropical Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Emergency Medicine) and the Biological Sciences (Zoology and Ecology), as well as to practicing professionals working in coastal or freshwater areas.