An employee of the San Diego Zoo was hospitalized Monday afternoon after being bitten by a venomous snake, according to reports.
The incident occurred while the wildlife care specialist cared for the African viper, known scientifically as Atheris squamigera, in a non-public area, the zoo said.
The zoo added: “According to our protocols, the staff member was immediately taken to a hospital for evaluation and medical attention, and we maintain close contact.”
The staff member is currently in an unknown condition, 10 News reported.
“Although the San Diego Zoo takes care of several venomous reptiles, incidents like this are very rare and the snake was contained at all times without any risk of escape,” the zoo added in a statement.
National Geographic states about the viper native to parts of West and Central Africa: “Its venom usually kills in a few days.”
Symptoms of a reptile bite include “severe kidney damage and altered clotting and blood flow” and “severe inflammation, bleeding, and tissue death.”
The snake “can cause fevers or internal bleeding, which can be fatal,” a study from the American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) reported.
According to the Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester, New York, no venom is known for the poison of an African bush viper.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.