Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ally makes things worse if the jellyfish is a Portuguese man-of-war but most stings are
mild and the following treatments suffice.
• Shave off area with credit card to remove stinging cells, being very careful not to sting
yourself.
• Apply hydrocortisone cream to reduce inflammation.
• If collapse occurs, offer cardio-pulmonary resuscitation since the severe effects of the
venom fade quite quickly. Next get medical help as soon as you can.
CONESHELLS
Cone shells are beautiful shells that contain a dart-like projection at
the front. Do not touch as they can deliver a painful and potentially deadly sting. If
stung:
• Apply pressure bandage and immobilise limb.
• Seek medical attention.
SEA SNAKES
The beautiful
Pelamis platurus
spends most of its life out at sea but
they are occasionally encountered around the coasts of Madagascar. Sea snake venom
is some of the most potent known to man. Fortunately for us they are usually timid,
sluggishcreaturesthatavoidhumans.Youareunlikelytobebittenunlessyouteaseor
handle one, or if you go close to a mating bundle of sea snakes - they resent disturb-
ance of their orgy. If you are unfortunate enough to be bitten, symptoms may include:
stiffness and aching, respiratory distress, difficulty swallowing or speaking, or weak-
ness.
• Apply pressure bandage and immobilise limb.
• Seek medical attention.
• Do not use suction technique.
THE ONILAHY REGION
Two correspondents have raved about this unspoiled area northeast of Toliara. Valerie
Middleton writes: 'By turning right some 17km from Toliara onRN7 it is possible to reach
theOnilahyRiveratapointwherevirtuallyeverysaladandvegetablecropknownisgrown
on the rich sediments. If the rough road is followed eastwards the attractively situated vil-
lage of Tolikisy is reached (not 'Tokilisy' as shown on maps). A meeting with the village
président
may elicit an invitation to camp up the delightful Atsodroka Valley at the en-
trance to the village. Small cliffs and exotic trees like Moringa and banyans dominate the
