Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
of the time lag between bite and infection. If you become ill with flu-like symptoms after re-
turning home, consult a doctor and inform them you've been to a malarial risk area.
Other bites and stings
Taking steps to avoid being bitten by
insects
is of paramount importance (see
Malaria
). In
addition to malaria, mosquitoes can transmit dengue fever, which induces flu-like symptoms
similar to malaria but with more extreme aches and has been on the increase in Central Amer-
ica and the Caribbean in recent years. Sandflies (
chitras
) are a more likely pest for travel-
lers, proliferating during the rainy season, and not only at the beach; almost invisible, you
will become aware of them only when they bite. Sandfly bites itch more and for longer than
mosquito bites - calamine lotion or antihistamine cream will usually reduce the aggravation.
In forested rural areas in various parts of Panama bites from an infected sand fly can cause
cutaneous leishmaniasis, whose symptoms can remain dormant for up to six months before
sores and swellings break out on the skin. Though there is no vaccine, the disease is treatable
through a series of jabs.
An overfamiliarity with Indiana Jones films can lead to the misconception that the greatest
danger in the rainforest is a
snake bite
. While Panama has its share of venomous snakes -
bushmaster, fer-de-lance and coral for starters - you are unlikely to see one, let alone get bit-
ten. Nevertheless, donning long trousers and closed shoes or (even better) boots reduces the
risk, as does avoiding walking in the forest at night. Should a snake manage to get its fangs
into you, immobilize the affected area, apply a light-pressure bandage (not tourniquet) above
and below the bite and seek immediate medical attention. Even a local medical centre should
have some anti-venom.
There's a whole host of
other beasts
on land that may bite or sting, but only when
threatened: scorpions - more commonly seen at night - and some spiders, for example; while
in the sea jellyfish, sting rays and fire coral can all be painful. If you are prone to allergic re-
actions to bites and stings, make sure you carry some antihistamine tablets, which can reduce
swelling and itchiness, as well as antihistamine cream or calamine lotion to cool and ease the
pain.
Medical resources for travellers
There are a number of useful
online resources
, though their information may not be suf-
ficiently nuanced for your needs. The websites listed generally note travel medical centres,
where you can get jabs, and give general advice on the most common ailments and diseases
that you might encounter. Travel medical centre professionals generally have access to more
detailed and specific health information; you are strongly advised to consult them as well as
carrying out your own research.
