A veteran firefighter bitten by a highly venomous flesh-melting spider has died after an agonising two-month fight for his life.

Joao Paulo Floriani, 44, was rushed to hospital after being bitten on his hand by the Brown recluse spider in Florianopolis, in the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina, in April.

Doctors at the Nereu Ramos Hospital confirmed he had died on 13th June after weeks in intensive care.

Local media reports say he had shrugged off an earlier bite by the same spider species in March but quickly fell ill when he suffered a second bite a month later.

Picture shows Joao Paulo Floriani, undated. He was bitten by a spider and later died in Florianopolis, Brazil, on Jun.13, 2025. Note: Private photo taken from social media. (Newsflash/NX)

Many Brown recluse spider bites are survivable, even though they trigger flesh-destroying necrosis that can take months to cure.

But an enzyme in the venom, say experts, can cause a toxic reaction throughout the victim's whole body.

The enzyme bursts red blood cells, starving vital organs of oxygen, which causes them to fail one by one.

Itapema firefighters said in a statement: "You will always be present in the memories of every brother in uniform who had the honour of serving alongside you, your memory will be recorded in the history of this Barracks. Rest in peace, dear brother."

(Joseph Golder / newsX)