What is a significant characteristic of an Elapidae/Hydrophidae snake bite?

The characteristic of little to no immediate pain, followed by delayed respiratory paralysis, accurately reflects the nature of bites from Elapidae and Hydrophidae snakes. These families include species such as cobras, mambas, and sea snakes, which are known for their neurotoxic venom.

The venom from these snakes primarily affects the nervous system, leading to complications like respiratory failure rather than immediate local tissue damage. This is in contrast to some other snake families, where bites might cause acute pain, swelling, or necrosis due to cytotoxic effects. In the case of Elapidae and Hydrophidae, the onset symptoms can be more insidious, with significant effects manifesting hours after the bite occurs as the neurotoxic effects take hold.

Understanding this characteristic is crucial for proper assessment and management of envenomation from these snakes, highlighting the need for a high index of suspicion even when initial symptoms seem mild.