Bees and Wasps

Bee and wasp stings can be painful and may occasionally cause severe allergic reactions. A bee may leave its stinger in the skin. If this happens, remove it as quickly as possible – the speed of removal is more important than the method used.

After a bee sting, move away from the area to reduce the risk of further stings.

Leeches

Leeches are found in damp environments, including tropical rainforests, and attach themselves to the skin to feed on blood. Protective clothing and insect repellent applied to exposed skin and clothing may help reduce the risk.

If a leech attaches itself to your skin, avoid using salt, chemicals or other irritants to make it detach, as this may cause it to regurgitate into the wound. If necessary, gently detach it by breaking the seal at the narrow end with a fingernail or a flat object. Clean the bite afterwards. Minor bleeding may continue for some time because leech saliva contains substances that inhibit blood clotting.

Jellyfish

Jellyfish stings commonly cause local pain, burning and redness that may last from minutes to several hours. Some species can cause severe or even life-threatening reactions, particularly in tropical waters, including parts of northern Australia and the Indo-Pacific region.

Mosquitoes

Mosquito bites often cause itching. In children, who may scratch bites until the skin breaks, covering the area with a small plaster may help reduce scratching and the risk of secondary infection. A mild hydrocortisone cream may help relieve itching when appropriate.

Snakes

Most snakes avoid people and usually bite when they feel threatened, are accidentally stepped on or are handled. In areas where venomous snakes occur, suitable footwear, clothing and care when walking outdoors can reduce the risk of snakebite.

Scorpions

Scorpions are found in many tropical and subtropical regions. They are mainly active at night and may hide during the day in shoes, clothing, bedding or other sheltered places.

Check shoes before putting them on and shake out clothing, towels and bedding before use, particularly if they have been left outdoors or on the floor.

Most scorpion stings cause local pain rather than life-threatening illness, but some species can cause severe poisoning. Children are particularly vulnerable. Seek medical attention if a child is stung or if anyone develops severe pain, vomiting, breathing difficulties, muscle spasms, unusual movements or other general symptoms.

Spiders

Some tropical and subtropical regions are home to medically important spiders. Most spider bites do not cause serious illness, but some species can cause severe pain or other symptoms. Clean the bite, use appropriate pain relief if needed and seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or worsening.

Take care when reaching into dark spaces, underneath rocks, into wood piles or other places where spiders may be hiding.

Rabies

Rabies is an extremely serious viral infection found in many parts of the world, particularly in Asia and Africa. It is most commonly transmitted to people by infected dogs, but other mammals, including cats, bats, monkeys and foxes, may also transmit the virus.

Children are particularly likely to approach or play with animals and may not always report a bite or scratch. Teach children not to touch unfamiliar animals, even if they appear friendly.