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14 December 2004 Creepy crawlies that put the sting in summer
Whether they crawl, fly, swim or slither, a bite or sting from an insect or animal can leave you with more than an itch. While many bites and stings are harmless some can be debilitating and even life threatening. “Living in Australia we get used to insects, bugs and animals being around us all the time. In summer, when the weather is warmer and we enjoy more regular outdoor activity, we sometimes forget that nature can be dangerous,” said Dr Michael Staff, NSW Health’s Director of Environmental Health. Whether it’s a barbeque in the backyard, a quick dip at the beach or a relaxed walk in the bush, Dr Staff advises us to keep an eye out for ticks, mosquitoes, snakes and spiders, bluebottles and the blue-ringed octopus. “It’s particularly important to keep an eye on children playing outside or at the beach. Their natural curiosity for nature makes them more likely to approach and touch an animal or insect. “If an adult or child does get bitten or stung, it’s important to understand appropriate first aid and if you think it might be necessary, don’t delay a call for help,” Dr Staff said. Ticks Dr Staff advises us to be on the lookout for ticks when out in the bush and in the garden. “Ticks like humid, moist bushy areas, so it’s important to keep lawns mowed around your house. It’s also a good idea to check clothing and pets for ticks when coming indoors. “Ticks inject a toxin that can cause local irritation or a mild allergic reaction, however most tick bites cause little or no symptoms. “In some cases ticks can pose a serious threat to a person’s health,” said Dr Staff. “Symptoms to be aware of include rashes, headache, flu like symptoms, intolerance to light, weakness in limbs and partial facial paralysis,” he said. Mild allergic reactions and itching can be treated with an anti-itching lotion. If swelling of the face or throat cause breathing difficulties, seek urgent medical attention. “It is important to remove a tick as soon as possible after locating it. Use fine pointed tweezers and grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Gently pull the tick straight out with steady pressure. If you have difficulty seek medical attention. “Do not try to kill the tick with methylated spirits or other chemicals. This only causes the tick to inject more toxins,” Dr Staff said. There are many species of tick in Australia. The most common tick to bite humans is found in NSW along the State’s eastern coastal strip and inland for 30 kilometres. Mosquitoes It’s an unfortunate coincidence that summer time, when we spend more time outdoors, is also a time for mosquitoes. According to Dr Staff, mosquitoes can be a problem in any area where there is water. “Natural mosquito breeding sites include coastal estuaries, areas near rivers dams and lakes and other areas around the home such as ground pools and containers filled with water,” he said. Dr Staff advised that most bites are harmless, causing nothing more than a small lump and an irritating itch. However, some mosquitos can transfer unpleasant infections such as the Ross River Virus and the related Barmah Forest Virus. “Symptoms for Ross River Virus and Barmah Forest Virus are similar. They include arthritis of small joints, tiredness, headaches, rash and fever. These diseases are not fatal, but can cause severe, persistent and debilitating symptoms,” said Dr Staff. These diseases can be contracted by anyone. Both are common, with over 1000 cases reported in some years, mainly from December through to May, though it is likely that many more cases go unreported. “The best way to protect you and your family against these diseases is to avoid bites,” he said. Important preventative measures include:
Snakes and Spiders Understanding the correct first aid for a snake or spider bite can mean the difference between life and death, says Dr Staff. “It’s vital the a bite victim receives appropriate first aid immediately. This should done as a priority before calling for expert help,” he said. First aid procedures for snake and spider bites include:
Dr Staff said people living in bushfire danger areas need to be especially wary of snakes and spiders as in the event of a fire, they may be frightened out of their natural habitat and into people’s homes. “Of course, prevention is better than cure. When it comes to avoiding a snake bite the best advice is simply to leave the snake alone,” he said. Dr Staff said that in almost 80 per cent of cases seen in hospitals, people are bitten when they attempt to either catch or kill a snake. Brown Snakes and Tiger Snakes cause the majority of snake bites in Australia. The most dangerous spiders in NSW are the Funnel Web, Mouse Spider and the Red Back, which can all cause serious illness and can be fatal. Bluebottles & Blue-ringed Octopus Australia has some of the world’s most beautiful beaches but it is important not to forget the dangers that can await us. Dr Staff said we should be on the lookout for blue bottles at the beach, whether in the water or on the sand. “While bluebottle stings are generally not fatal, they can be extremely painful. If someone is stung the best treatment is to clear the tentacles away with water and apply a cold pack or ice for 15 minutes. “Victims should also seek professional medical treatment,” Dr Staff advised. He said people should also be aware of the blue-ringed octopus’s sting. “It is quite dangerous because the poison can cause paralysis, so recommended treatment in this instance is to take the patient straight to hospital.” For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au |
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