Darwin to Uluru - Central Australia: Adelaide to Darwin - page 516

Dehydration A number of unprepared travellers die from dehydration each year in out-
back Australia - preventable by following these simple rules:
» Carry sufficient water for any trip, including extra in case of vehicle breakdown.
» Always let someone, such as the local police, know where you are going and when you
expect to arrive.
» Carry communications equipment.
» Stay with the vehicle rather than walking for help.
Insect-Borne Illnesses
Various insects can be a source of irritation and, in central Australia, may be the source of
specific diseases (eg Ross River fever). Protection from mosquitoes, sandflies, ticks and
leeches can be achieved by a combination of the following strategies:
» Wear light, loose-fitting, long-sleeved clothing.
» Apply 30% DEET to all exposed skin and repeat every three to four hours.
» Impregnate clothing with permethrin (an insecticide that kills insects but is believed to be
safe for humans).
Sunburn
Ultraviolet (UV) exposure is greatest between 10am and 4pm, so avoid skin exposure
during these times. Always use SPF 30+ sunscreen, apply it 30 minutes before going into
the sun and repeat application regularly.
Traveller's Diarrhoea
Water Tap water is usually safe in central Australia. All other water should be boiled,
filtered or chemically disinfected (with iodine tablets) to prevent traveller's diarrhoea and
giardiasis (giardia).
Treatment If you develop diarrhoea, drink plenty of fluids - preferably an oral rehydration
solution containing lots of salt and sugar. You should also begin taking an antibiotic (usu-
ally a quinolone drug) and an antidiarrhoeal agent (such as loperamide). If diarrhoea is
bloody, persists for more than 72 hours or is accompanied by fever, shaking chills or
severe abdominal pain, seek medical attention.
Medical Checklist
» antibiotics
» antidiarrhoeal drugs (eg loperamide)