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 particularly common in hot climates when taking unaccustomed exercise before full acclimatisation. Symptoms
include headache, 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 is by fluid replacement with water 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.
TAP WATER
It's not safe to drink the tap water in Rodrigues; stick with bottled water if you visit the island. As a general rule,
the tap water in Réunion, the Seychelles and the rest of Mauritius is safe to drink, but always take care immedi-
ately after a cyclone or cyclonic storm as mains water supplies can become contaminated by dead animals and
other debris washed into the system. Never drink from streams as it might put you at risk of waterborne diseases.
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 temperature; 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
Mosquitoes in the region rarely carry chikungunya and 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, including wearing long
pants and long-sleeved shirts, using mosquito repellents, avoiding highly scented perfumes or aftershaves etc. Bee and
wasp stings cause major problems only to those who have a severe allergy to the stings (anaphylaxis), in which case
carry an adrenaline (epinephrine) injection.
Leeches may be present in damp rainforest conditions; they attach themselves to your skin to suck your blood. Salt or
a lighted cigarette end will make them fall off. Ticks can cause skin infections and other more serious diseases. If a tick
is found attached, press down around the tick's head with tweezers, grab the head and gently pull upwards.
Marine Life
A number of Indian Ocean species are poisonous or may sting or bite. Watch out above all for sea urchins. Other far
rarer creatures to look out for include the gaudy lion fish with its poisonous spined fins, and the cleverly camouflaged -
and exceptionally poisonous - stonefish, which lives camouflaged amid coral formations. Some shells, such as the cone
shell, can fire out a deadly poisonous barb. The species of fire coral, which looks like yellowish brush-like coral
growths, packs a powerful sting if touched.
