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After Fujairah, redback spider surfaces in RAK

RAS AL KHAIMAH — After sending panic waves in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the redback spider seems to have moved further north making its appearance in Ras Al Khaimah, after Fujairah reported its appearance on Saturday. A UAE national man produced a redback spider before the Public Health authorities yesterday, claiming he had captured it from his garden in Al Zait area.

The appearance of the deadly spider, known to be quite venomous, has been reported from several parts of the country in recent times. The redback belongs to the same species as the deadly black widow and brown widow of North America, the 13-spotted spider of Europe and the katipo of New Zealand.

"This is the first time we have come across a red-back spider in the emirate," a Ras Al Khaimah Municipality official told Khaleej Times on condition of anonymity. "We have taken all the necessary measures to control the spread of this spider in the emirate," he said and called upon the public not to panic as the authorities were doing their best to ensure their safety. Stating that healthcare authorities had so far not reported any bite cases, the officials urged the people to report immediately if they spotted any redbacks so that the authorities can initiate preventive measures.

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