Animal Bites

In the event of a bite from a dog, monkey, cat, or other animal and you are in a rabies-infected country, seek medical attention immediately. You may need post-exposure vaccination even if you have been previously immunised against rabies.

Spider bites

Remain calm, as most spiders are not poisonous. If possible, take a photo of the spider so that it can be shown to the local hospital for identification.

Scorpion bites

Scorpions are common in Africa, Central and South America, and the Caribbean, but less frequent in Asia. Scorpions are active at night, hiding under rocks or in shoes during the day. They only bite when disturbed, but the sting can be very painful. Some species are poisonous, so consult a local doctor. If the pain is severe, the doctor may suggest an injection of local anaesthetic to provide relief.

Snake bites

Remain calm. Although most snake bites are not poisonous, treat any bite as if it were. Note the time of the bite and try to identify the snake from a distance. DO NOT try to catch the snake. Many people have been bitten while trying to catch snakes following a bite. If possible, take note of its colouring, any unusual markings and its general size.

Treatment:

  1. Remain as still as possible.
  2. Firmly apply a crepe or elastic compression bandage to the whole of the affected limb, working from the bite site first and then upwards to the trunk.
  3. Immobilise the limb with a splint to minimise the spread of the venom.
  4. Do not attempt to suck out the poison, cut the wound, or use a tourniquet.
  5. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Tick bites

Several diseases are spread to humans by ticks. Tick-borne encephalitis is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick of the Ixodes species or by consuming unpasteurised dairy products from infected animals. Ticks climb onto grass and other vegetation, and then latch onto animals and humans as they pass by. Ticks may breed around homes and in local parks, too. Most tick-borne illnesses do not develop until the tick has been attached for more than 24 hours. Humans are often unaware that they have been bitten.

Prevention:
A vaccine is available for tick-borne encephalitis. If your itinerary puts you at significant risk of this disease, you can discuss this with a travel doctor at one of our clinics.

When spending time outdoors, especially in rural or forested areas, stop ticks from hitching a ride by:

  • walking in the centre of trails, avoiding wooded and bushy areas with high grass and leaf litter
  • wearing a long-sleeved shirt and trousers, tucking trousers into socks
  • applying Repel insect repellent on exposed skin
  • soaking your clothing, hat, boots and socks with a solution of permethrin. 

Permethrin, a safe, proven contact insecticide, remains effective even after several washes. DIY permethrin kits are available at Travel Doctor-TMVC clinics.

Thoroughly scan your body at the end of each day. Check for ticks under arms, in and around the ears, inside the navel, behind the knees, in the groin area, around the waist, and in hair.

Removing ticks:
Using fine-tipped (not blunt-nosed) tweezers or a tick remover, grasp the tick from the side (not from above) as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull upward steadily. After removing all traces of the tick, clean the bite area thoroughly using antiseptic and wash your hands with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.

For Australian ticks, the recommended method of removing ticks differs. People who are not allergic to ticks should safely manage the tick bite by not disturbing the tick and killing it where it is without delay.

You should NOT:

  • scratch or disturb a tick
  • try pulling the tick out with household tweezers or fingernails.

Kill the tick where it is, as per the Australian Department of Health. For ticks that can be seen (adult ticks), freeze the tick to kill it where it is with ether-containing sprays (available from your pharmacy). You should freeze the tick using a product that rapidly freezes and kills the tick and allow it to drop off. A video demonstrating this process is available at https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/insect-allergy-bites-and-stings.

Remember, for Australian ticks: “Freeze it, don’t squeeze it!” and “Household tweezers are tick squeezers”.