Los Angeles & Southern California - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [366]
MOSQUITO BITES
When traveling in areas where West Nile or other mosquito-borne illnesses have been reported, keep yourself covered (wear long sleeves, long pants, a hat, and shoes rather than sandals) and apply a good insect repellent, preferably one containing DEET, to exposed skin and clothing. In general, adults and children over 12 should use preparations containing 25% to 35% DEET, which will usually last about six hours. Children between two and 12 years of age should use preparations containing no more than 10% DEET, applied sparingly, which will usually last about three hours. Neurological toxicity has been reported as a result of using DEET, especially in children, but appears to be extremely uncommon and generally related to overuse. DEET-containing compounds should not be used on children under age two.
Insect repellents containing certain botanical products, including oil of eucalyptus and soybean oil, are effective but last only 1½ to two hours. Products based on citronella are not effective.
Visit the Center for Disease Control’s website (CDC; www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/prevention_info.htm) for further prevention information.
SNAKE BITES
There are several varieties of venomous snakes in the USA, but unlike those in other countries they do not cause instantaneous death, and antivenins are available. The rattlesnake is the most common; most have triangular-shaped heads, diamond patterns along their backs and vary in length from 2ft to 6ft.
If you’re bitten, place a light constricting bandage over the bite, keep the wounded part below the level of the heart and move it as little as possible. Stay calm and get to a medical facility as soon as possible. Bring the dead snake for identification if you can, but don’t risk being bitten again. Do not use the mythical ‘cut an X and suck out the venom’ trick; this causes more damage to snakebite victims than the bites themselves.
SPIDER & SCORPION BITES
Although there are many species of spiders in the USA, the only ones that cause significant human illness are the black widow and brown recluse (or hobo) spiders. The black widow is black or brown in color, measuring about 15mm in body length, with a shiny top, fat body, and distinctive red or orange hourglass figure on its underside. It’s found throughout the USA, usually in barns, woodpiles, sheds, harvested crops and the bowls of outdoor toilets. The brown recluse spider is brown in color, usually 10mm in body length, with a dark violin-shaped mark on the top of the upper section of the body. It’s usually found in the south and southern Midwest, but has spread to other parts of the country in recent years. The brown recluse is active mostly at night, lives in dark sheltered areas such as under porches and in woodpiles, and typically bites when trapped.
If bitten by a black widow, you should apply ice or cold packs and go immediately to the nearest emergency room. Complications of a black widow bite may include muscle spasms, breathing difficulties and high blood pressure. The bite of a brown recluse spider typically causes a large, inflamed wound, sometimes associated with fever and chills. If bitten, apply ice and see a physician.
The large (up to 6in in diameter) and hairy tarantula looks much worse than it actually is; it very rarely bites and then usually only when it is roughly handled. The bite is not very serious, although it is temporarily quite painful.
The only dangerous species of scorpion in the USA is the bark scorpion, which is found in the southwestern part of the country, chiefly Arizona. If stung, you should immediately apply ice or cold packs, immobilize the affected body part, and go to the nearest emergency room. To prevent scorpion stings, be sure to inspect and shake out clothing, shoes and