Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Environmental Hazards
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness may result from rapid ascents to altitudes greater than 2500m (8100ft).
In Peru, this includes Cuzco, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. Being physically fit offers
no protection. Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, malaise,
insomnia and loss of appetite. Severe cases may be complicated by fluid in the lungs
(high-altitude pulmonary edema) or swelling of the brain (high-altitude cerebral edema).
If symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, descend immediately by at least 500m and
see a doctor.
The best prevention is to spend two nights or more at each rise of 1000m. Diamox may
be taken starting 24 hours before ascent. A natural alternative is ginkgo.
It's also important to avoid overexertion, eat light meals and abstain from alcohol. Alti-
tude sickness should be taken seriously; it can be life threatening when severe.
Hypothermia
To prevent hypothermia, dress in layers: silk, wool and synthetic thermals are all good in-
sulators. Essentials include a hat and a waterproof outer layer. Carry food and lots of fluid.
An emergency space blanket can be highly useful.
Symptoms are exhaustion, numbness (particularly toes and fingers), shivering, slurred
speech, irrational or violent behavior, lethargy, stumbling, dizzy spells, muscle cramps
and violent bursts of energy.
To treat, go indoors and replace wet clothing with dry. Take hot liquids - no alcohol -
and some high-calorie, easily digestible food. Do not rub victims, as rough handling may
cause cardiac arrest.
Mosquito Bites
The best prevention is wearing long sleeves, long pants, hats and shoes (rather than san-
dals). Use insect repellent with 25% to 35% DEET. Protection usually lasts about six
hours. Children age two to 12 should use formulas with 10% DEET or less, which lasts
about three hours.
Insect repellents containing certain botanical products, including oil of eucalyptus and
soybean oil, are effective but last only 1½ to two hours.
If sleeping outdoors or in accommodations where mosquitoes can enter, use a mosquito
net with 1.5mm mesh, preferably treated with permethrin, tucking edges in the mattress.
