Prevention is better than cure when it comes to bites and stings
Bites and stings seem to be unavoidable during South Africa’s hot summer months. There are definite ways on how to treat bugs during the festive season, but wherever possible, it is best to avoid these wherever you can. The people who need the most protection from stings and bites are the elderly and young children as well as those that suffer from cardiovascular disease and those suffering from allergies. But bear in mind that most of the things that bite and sting do so in defence, so best to avoid these at all costs especially if you know where they are hiding. The most dangerous and perhaps the most unlikely you might encounter falls into two groups – these are neurotoxic and cytotoxic. The most common and notorious of the neurotoxic creatures is the Black Widow Spider. The poison is enough to kill a small child, so best to teach your children to respect all creatures and all times and to leave well alone. It is only the female of the species that bites hence the name Black Widow. Other creatures that are neurotoxic are the brown widow, the Baboon Spider and Scorpions. Neurotoxic These attack the central nervous system and when bitten the victim will experience a burning sensation at the site of the bite, and expect these symptoms to follow suit:- Cramping and muscular pain in the chest abdomen, back and abdomen as well as the thighs
- Swelling of the lymph glands
- The victim will soon start to perspire and have a rapid pulse rate
- Weakness in the legs and elevated blood pressure will also be experienced.
- Vomiting, nausea and salivation will also take place.