Western Myanmar - Myanmar (Burma) - page 764

Bees or wasps If allergic to their stings, carry an injection of adrenaline (eg an EpiPen®)
for emergency treatment.
Jellyfish In Myanmar waters most are not dangerous. If stung, pour vinegar onto the af-
fected area to neutralise the poison. Take painkillers and seek medical advice if your con-
dition worsens.
Leeches Found in humid rainforest areas. Don't transmit any disease but their bites can
be itchy for weeks afterwards and can easily become infected. Apply an iodine-based an-
tiseptic to any leech bite to help prevent infection.
Lice Most commonly inhabit your head and pubic area. Transmission is via close contact
with an infected person. Treat with numerous applications of an antilice shampoo, such as
Permethrin.
Ticks Contracted after walking in rural areas. If you are bitten and experience symptoms
such as a rash at the site of the bite or elsewhere, fever, or muscle aches, see a doctor.
Doxycycline prevents tick-borne diseases.
Skin Problems
Fungal rashes are common in humid climates. There are two common fungal rashes that
affect travellers. The first occurs in moist areas that receive less air, such as the groin, the
armpits and between the toes. It starts as a red patch that slowly spreads and is usually
itchy. Treatment involves keeping the skin dry, avoiding chafing and using an antifungal
cream such as Clotrimazole or Lamisil. Tinea versicolor is also common - this fungus
causes small, light-coloured patches, most commonly on the back, chest and shoulders.
Consult a doctor.
Cuts and scratches easily become infected in humid climates. Take meticulous care of
any cuts and scratches to prevent complications, such as abscesses. Immediately wash
all wounds in clean water and apply antiseptic. If you develop signs of infection (increas-
ing pain and redness) see a doctor. Divers and surfers should be particularly careful with
coral cuts as they easily become infected.
Snakes
Myanmar is home to many species of both poisonous and harmless snakes. Assume all
snakes are poisonous and never try to catch one. Always wear boots and long pants if
walking in an area that may have snakes. First aid in the event of a snakebite involves
pressure immobilisation with an elastic bandage firmly wrapped around the affected limb,
starting at the bite site and working up towards the chest. The bandage should not be so
tight that the circulation is cut off, and the fingers or toes should be kept free so the circu-
lation can be checked. Immobilise the limb with a splint and carry the victim to medical at-
tention. Do not use tourniquets or try to suck the venom out. Antivenom is available for
most species.