Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Symptoms include headache, dizziness and tiredness. Dehydration is already happening
by the time you feel thirsty - aim to drink sufficient water such that you produce pale, di-
luted urine. Electrolyte replacement sachets are the easiest and fastest way to treat dehyd-
ration; they are available in Iran, though it makes sense to carry them from home. Altern-
atively, fluid replacement with water or fruit juice or both, and cooling by cold water and
fans is recommended. The treatment of the salt loss component consists of salty fluids as
in soup or broth, and adding a little more table salt to foods than usual.
Heatstroke is much more serious. This occurs when the body's heat-regulating mechan-
ism breaks down. An excessive rise in body temperature leads to sweating ceasing, irra-
tional and hyperactive behaviour and eventually loss of consciousness and death. Rapid
cooling by spraying the body with water and fanning is an ideal treatment. Emergency flu-
id and electrolyte replacement by intravenous drip is usually also required.
Insect Bites & Stings
Mosquitoes may not carry malaria but can cause irritation and infected bites. Using
DEET-based insect repellents will prevent bites. Mosquitoes also spread dengue fever.
Bees and wasps only cause real problems to those with a severe allergy (anaphylaxis). If
you have a severe allergy to bee or wasp stings you should carry an adrenaline injection or
similar.
There are plenty of scorpions in Iran's deserts and they can cause a painful bite, though
contrary to popular misconception, they are rarely life threatening.
Mercifully, Iran doesn't seem to suffer too badly from bed bugs, though occasionally
they do pop up (as opposed to appearing - who's ever seen one of the critters?) in hostels
and cheap hotels. They lead to very itchy, lumpy bites. Spraying dubious-looking mattress
with insecticide will help get rid of them, or use a sleep sheet.
Scabies might also be found in cheap accommodation. These tiny mites live in the skin,
particularly between the fingers. They cause an intensely itchy rash. Scabies is easily
treated with lotion available from pharmacies; people who you come into contact with
also need treating to avoid spreading scabies between asymptomatic carriers.
Water
Tap water is safe to drink in most of Iran, though many travellers stick to bottled water,
which is widely available. Do not drink water from rivers or lakes as this may contain
bacteria or viruses that can cause diarrhoea or vomiting.
