Survival Guide - Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef - page 648

Mosquitoes
'Mozzies' can be a problem just about anywhere in Queensland. Malaria isn't present, but dengue fever is a danger in
northern Queensland, particularly during the wet season (November to April). Most people recover in a few days, but
more severe forms of the disease can occur. To minimise bites:
» Wear loose, long-sleeved clothing.
» Apply repellent with minimum 30% DEET on exposed skin.
» Use mosquito coils.
» Sleep under fast-spinning ceiling fans.
Sharks
Despite extensive media coverage, the risk of shark attack in Australia is no greater than in other countries with extens-
ive coastlines. Check with surf life-saving groups about local risks.
Snakes
There's no denying it: Australia has plenty of venomous snakes, but few species are aggressive. Unless you are messing
with or accidentally stand on one, you're unlikely to be bitten. About 80% of bites occur on the lower limbs: wear pro-
tective clothing (such as gaiters) when bushwalking.
If bitten, apply an elastic bandage (or improvise with a T-shirt). Wrap firmly around the entire limb - but not so
tightly that you cut off the circulation - and immobilise with a splint or sling; then seek medical attention. Don't use a
tourniquet, and don't try to suck out the poison.
Spiders
Australia has poisonous spiders, although the only species to have killed anyone recently, the Sydney funnel-web, isn't a
Queenslander. Common species include the following:
» Redback - Bites cause increasing pain followed by profuse sweating. Apply ice and transfer to hospital.
» Whitetail - Blamed for causing slow-healing ulcers. If bitten, clean bite and seek medical assistance.
» Huntsman - A disturbingly large spider that's harmless, though seeing one can affect your blood pressure (and/or un-
derpants).