emblatame (Ron)
"What Is It?" You ask.
Well it's my belly/groin area. The other day I was in the rainforest in wood and 30 hours later got itchy and started to get red lumps Got them over a fair bit of me - horrible things. Caused by the scrub mite. It is best I paste sections from the Internet about this. The scrub mite can cause typhus fever that takes 2 to 2 weeks to appear. scrub typhus mite [Leptotrombidium deliense (Walch)].
"Scrub Mites
In the animal kingdom, it's the smallest creatures that are often the biggest problem. Tiny, black scrub mites are common in the forest and near beaches and unlike mosquitos, usually bite under clothing instead of on open skin. Most bites are where clothing is constricted such as under waistbands and underwear. The insect is too small to be noticed but their bite leaves a small red spot on the skin. Scrub mites (also known as scrub-itch) live on the ground and in logs, so avoid sitting directly on the ground - use a ground sheet and insect repellent to keep them at bay. If bitten, remove mites with head lice treatment and wash all clothing. Another good treatment is to pour rubbing alcohol all over your skin after you return from a rainforest walk or camping. Leave the rubbing alcohol on overnight and shower the next morning."
"The mite is very small(0.2 – 0.4mm) and can only be seen through amicroscope or magnifying glass. The mite lives in grassland areas at the edge of dense monsoon forests or forested creeks. Mites usually feed onmarsupials and native animals such as rats butthey can attach to passing humans and bite for ablood meal.
"The symptoms usually occur within 1 to 2 weeks of being bitten. They may include fever chills, sweating, headache, cough, swollen glands and a dull red skin rash. The bite may ulcerate and become red with a black scab"
Sadly that day I forgot my footwear and ended up wearing my thongs for a 3 km walk. As well as chasing leeches off my feet I guess the mites got me. There is a proverb - "Once bitten, twice shy." I will know in future.
Did find this small posting from the Cairns Getaway Guide on the Net about problems in the tropics area :-
Crocodile
Species - Saltwater Crocodile crocodylus porosus. Also known as the Indo-Pacific crocodile. Will attack humans
Cassowary
Species - casuarius casuarius Stay well clear of this animal. The Cassowary can be a very dangerous bird.
Feral Pigs
Species - sus scrofa. They can weigh up to 130kg (over 600 pounds) and have 8cm (3 inch) tusks. and can reach up to speeds of 40 km/hr (25 mph) in a short distance. If you encounter one, don't aggravate it. If it charges do not run, try to get behind a tree.
Snakes
Taipan, King Brown and Rough Scale, are among some of the most venomous, but in most cases, if you leave them alone they will choose to move away quickly as possible
Other annoying creatures
Scrub Mites, Ticks, Spiders, Leeches, Bull Ants, Mosquitoes, Scorpions, centipedes, Ticks.
Stinging trees
Species gympie-gympie
Grows on the edges of tracks and clearings. It has fine, poisonous hairs on its heart-shaped leaves and even when lightly brushed these hairs penetrate the skin. The sting is excruciatingly painful and can cause illness and even hospitalisation
"What Is It?" You ask.
Well it's my belly/groin area. The other day I was in the rainforest in wood and 30 hours later got itchy and started to get red lumps Got them over a fair bit of me - horrible things. Caused by the scrub mite. It is best I paste sections from the Internet about this. The scrub mite can cause typhus fever that takes 2 to 2 weeks to appear. scrub typhus mite [Leptotrombidium deliense (Walch)].
"Scrub Mites
In the animal kingdom, it's the smallest creatures that are often the biggest problem. Tiny, black scrub mites are common in the forest and near beaches and unlike mosquitos, usually bite under clothing instead of on open skin. Most bites are where clothing is constricted such as under waistbands and underwear. The insect is too small to be noticed but their bite leaves a small red spot on the skin. Scrub mites (also known as scrub-itch) live on the ground and in logs, so avoid sitting directly on the ground - use a ground sheet and insect repellent to keep them at bay. If bitten, remove mites with head lice treatment and wash all clothing. Another good treatment is to pour rubbing alcohol all over your skin after you return from a rainforest walk or camping. Leave the rubbing alcohol on overnight and shower the next morning."
"The mite is very small(0.2 – 0.4mm) and can only be seen through amicroscope or magnifying glass. The mite lives in grassland areas at the edge of dense monsoon forests or forested creeks. Mites usually feed onmarsupials and native animals such as rats butthey can attach to passing humans and bite for ablood meal.
"The symptoms usually occur within 1 to 2 weeks of being bitten. They may include fever chills, sweating, headache, cough, swollen glands and a dull red skin rash. The bite may ulcerate and become red with a black scab"
Sadly that day I forgot my footwear and ended up wearing my thongs for a 3 km walk. As well as chasing leeches off my feet I guess the mites got me. There is a proverb - "Once bitten, twice shy." I will know in future.
Did find this small posting from the Cairns Getaway Guide on the Net about problems in the tropics area :-
Crocodile
Species - Saltwater Crocodile crocodylus porosus. Also known as the Indo-Pacific crocodile. Will attack humans
Cassowary
Species - casuarius casuarius Stay well clear of this animal. The Cassowary can be a very dangerous bird.
Feral Pigs
Species - sus scrofa. They can weigh up to 130kg (over 600 pounds) and have 8cm (3 inch) tusks. and can reach up to speeds of 40 km/hr (25 mph) in a short distance. If you encounter one, don't aggravate it. If it charges do not run, try to get behind a tree.
Snakes
Taipan, King Brown and Rough Scale, are among some of the most venomous, but in most cases, if you leave them alone they will choose to move away quickly as possible
Other annoying creatures
Scrub Mites, Ticks, Spiders, Leeches, Bull Ants, Mosquitoes, Scorpions, centipedes, Ticks.
Stinging trees
Species gympie-gympie
Grows on the edges of tracks and clearings. It has fine, poisonous hairs on its heart-shaped leaves and even when lightly brushed these hairs penetrate the skin. The sting is excruciatingly painful and can cause illness and even hospitalisation