Sunburn and travellers’ diarrhoea (also called food poisoning) are common problems in visitors to hot, sunny countries. Bites and stings are less frequent, but can just as easily ruin a vacation.
Travellers’ Diarrhoea or Food Poisoning
Travellers’ diarrhoea is the most common medical problem in holidaymakers. The usual cause is a bacterium ingested in contaminated food or drink. The risk is greatest in residents of Europe, North America or Australia who visit Latin America, Africa, the Middle East or Asia, and in those who travel overland or eat from local street vendors. Acute diarrhoea usually begins within the first week of the vacation. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, flatulence and bloating.
Basic steps to reduce the risk of food poisoning diarrhoea include:
- avoiding uncooked fruit, vegetables and salads
- using bottled water for drinking and cleaning teeth
- not taking ice in drinks
- avoiding undercooked meat and seafood, unpasteurized milk and dairy products, and mayonnaise
An otherwise healthy adult who develops diarrhoea while on holiday should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and eat a light, bland diet including salty soup, bread, rice and pasta. Anti-diarrhoeal treatments may be bought from a pharmacy; when using such products, always follow the instructions on the packet.
Snake and Spider Bites, Scorpion and Jellyfish Stings
Bites and stings usually occur when the animal in question is disturbed accidentally. Animals very rarely attack humans on purpose.
Depending on the species, snake bites can cause a wide range of symptoms including swelling, severe bleeding, shock and paralysis. It is often said that the best way to treat a snake bite is to cut or suck out the poison, but these “traditional” methods can cause more harm than good. The best course of action is to keep the victim calm and still, while getting him or her to hospital as quickly as possible.
Although most spider bites are harmless, cause no symptoms other than pain at the site of the bite and need no treatment, a few species can be dangerous to humans. These include the widow spiders, the Australian funnel web spider, the Brazilian wandering spider and the recluse spider. A bite from one of these species needs prompt medical attention; as with snake bites, victims should be taken to the nearest hospital without delay.
Venomous scorpion stings are most common in the Americas, North Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. The effects include pain, sweating and fast breathing, with spasms and an irregular heartbeat in severe cases. Anti-venoms are available and are given together with treatments for the specific symptoms.
Venomous jellyfish stings occur mainly in the tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Jellyfish are difficult to see in the water and unwary swimmers may brush against them accidentally. The best known dangerous species is the box jellyfish; in the most serious cases, this jellyfish sting can cause severe tissue damage and death from heart failure if immediate treatment is unavailable.
“Slip-Slop-Slap” to Prevent Sunburn
The symptoms of sunburn (pain, blisters and peeling) are increasingly well appreciated, as are its long-term effects in the form of premature aging of the skin and malignant melanoma. The “Slip-Slop-Slap" campaign was launched in Australia in 1981 and its advice on how to prevent sunburn remains invaluable.
- Slip on a shirt.
- Slop on a sunscreen.
- Slap on a hat.
Wearing sunglasses and spending time in the shade are further defences against skin damage. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so it is best to avoid sunbathing altogether during these hours.
Avoid Holiday Health Problems
With a few sensible precautions – taking care with food and drink, avoiding contact with animals and guarding against the sun – overseas vacations can be happy and healthy for all concerned.
References:
Lalloo D. Venomous Bites and Stings. Medicine 2005; 33:8: 74−6.
MedlinePlus. Sunburn. Accessed 08-06-10
NHS Choices. Travellers’ Diarrhoea. Accessed 08-06-10
Disclaimer
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
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