Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Environmental Hazards
Heat Exhaustion
This condition occurs following heavy sweating and excessive fluid loss with inadequate
replacement of fluids and salt, and is primarily a risk in hot climates when taking unaccus-
tomed exercise before full acclimatisation. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness and
tiredness. Dehydration is already happening by the time you feel thirsty - aim to drink
sufficient water to produce pale, diluted urine. Self-treatment: fluid replacement with wa-
ter and/or fruit juice, and cooling by cold water and fans. The treatment of the salt-loss
component consists of consuming salty fluids as in soup, and adding a little more table
salt to foods than usual.
Heatstroke
Heat exhaustion is a precursor to the much more serious condition of heatstroke. In this
case there is damage to the sweating mechanism, with an excessive rise in body temperat-
ure, irrational and hyperactive behaviour, and eventually loss of consciousness and death.
Rapid cooling by spraying the body with water and fanning is ideal. Emergency fluid and
electrolyte replacement is usually also required by intravenous drip.
Insect Bites & Stings
Most hazardous insects are confined to the far northwest of the country in the watery en-
virons of the Kunene, Okavango and Kwando river systems. Most nasty of all is the pre-
valence of tsetse flies in eastern Caprivi, which are especially active at dusk.
Mosquitoes might not always carry malaria or dengue fever, but they (and other insects)
can cause irritation and infected bites. To avoid these, take the same precautions as you
would for avoiding malaria. Use DEET-based insect repellents. Excellent clothing treat-
ments are also available; mosquitos that land on treated clothing will die. Bee and wasp
stings cause real problems only to those who have a severe allergy to the stings (anaphyl-
axis). If you are one of these people, carry an EpiPen - an adrenalin (epinephrine) injec-
tion, which you can give yourself. This could save your life.
Scorpions are found in arid areas. They can cause a painful bite that is sometimes life-
threatening. If bitten by a scorpion, seek immediate medical assistance. Medical treatment
should be sought if collapse occurs.
Ticks are always a risk away from urban areas. If you do get bitten, press down around
the tick's head with tweezers, grab the head and gently pull upwards. Avoid pulling the
