Sembilang Fish Spine Injury Leading to Systemic Hypersensitivity: A Rural Coastal Case from Muaragembong, Indonesia

Abstract

Spine injuries caused by sembilang fish (Plotosidae) are a frequent occupational hazard among brackish-water pond workers in coastal Indonesia, yet systemic reactions are rarely documented. We report the case of a 30-year-old male pond farmer from Muaragembong, a rural coastal subdistrict with limited healthcare access, who developed systemic hypersensitivity following a hand puncture from a sembilang spine. The patient experienced immediate localized pain and swelling, followed by the onset of fever, chills, and malaise within hours. Initial assessment occurred during a university-led community service program focused on health outreach, where he received first aid and was referred to a nearby clinic for further management. Treatment with antihistamines and supportive care resulted in complete recovery within 24 hours. This case underscores the potential for systemic reactions despite the generally non-lethal nature of sembilang venom and highlights the vulnerability of coastal aquaculture workers in underdeveloped regions. Improved awareness, early first aid, and preventive education are essential for reducing morbidity associated with marine and brackish-water envenomation in rural settings.