Patients often present to the emergency with a variety of skin findings and worries about spider bites. In the United States, the two spiders that people are often worried about are the black widow (Latrodectus mactans) and the brown recluse (Loxosceles reclusa). Fortunately, there are only about 500 bites a year in the United States and deaths are very rare.

Presentation can range from mild (heat stress) to severe (heat stroke). Tolerance to heat varies by individual with many factors playing a role on the effect heat has on an individual including general health, overall conditioning, hydration status, and ability to acclimatize. Heat related illness is more common in the elderly and in children under 4 years old.

Heat-related illness is caused by exposure to excessive environmental temperatures that surpass compensatory limits of thermoregulation. These illnesses are distinguished from febrile emergencies in that the increased temperature is caused by environmental heat stress, rather than a change in hypothalamic function in the setting of normothermic environmental conditions.

Presentation can range from mild (heat stress) to severe (heat stroke). Tolerance to heat varies by individual with many factors playing a role on the effect heat has on an individual including general health, overall conditioning, hydration status, and ability to acclimatize. Heat related illness is more common in the elderly and in children under 4 years old.