Queensland toddler bitten three times by taipan suffering brain damage
A Queensland toddler bitten by one of the world's deadliest snakes will need care for the rest of his life, his father has said.
Giles Campbell admits it's unclear what his two-year-old son Eli's disabilities will be, but he and pregnant partner Brittany are hoping for miracles.
Mr Campbell said Eli has significant swelling on the brain and is largely immobile two weeks after being bitten three times by a coastal taipan in his family's chicken pen at Agnes Waters.
Eli, 2, was bitten three times by a taipan. Photo: Supplied
Eli Campbell was with his mother, Brittany Cervantes, feeding their chickens when he was struck by a taipan. Photo: 7 News
In an heartbreaking update on a fundraising page, Mr Campbell said his family was under no illusions about the long-term ramifications.
"We know this boy of our's will need some care for the rest of his life, how much will be up to him and the best rehabilitation we can find ... and yes we still hope for miracles," he wrote.
"We may have to relocate to Brisbane.
Eli is now out of ICU at the Lady Cilento Hospital and suffering from brain damage. Photo: 7 News
Brittant Cervantes and her husband Giles Campbell are expecting their second child. Photo: 7 News
"We will possibly need our home converted for his disabilities but what those will be we have no idea."
Snake experts have said Eli is lucky to be alive following the bite as the coastal taipan is among the six most venomous snakes in the world, and children are far more susceptible to their bites.
Dan Lynch from Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers believed Eli may have even accidentally stood on the snake considering it struck him three times.
A coastal taipan. Photo: Dan Lynch
Richie Gilbert ran the free demonstration to raise money for Eli's family. Photo: Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers 24/7
Mr Campbell said he had been a total mess since Eli was bitten and paid tribute to Brittany, who is 16 weeks' pregnant.
"(She) has been the one pillar of strength that has kept me going," he said.
He also thanked the public for its support and donations, saying it would help his little boy so much.
A Go Fund Me page to aid Eli's recovery has so far raised more than $46,000 almost half the amount they are hoping to raise.
What we know about the deadly coastal taipan - the snake which has a Queensland toddler fighting for his life.
It is the third most venomous snake in Australia, behind inland taipan and eastern brown, and among the sixth most deadly in the world.
People rarely encounter the shy and elusive reptile as it's more likely to flee than bite
Professional Queensland snake catcher Wayne Cameron died after being bitten by a coastal taipan in April
About 3000 snake bites are recorded in Australia each year but there has been a rise in the number of attacks in Queensland this year
Today's top stories - October 10
