Travel
Stung into action
(China Daily/Agencies)
Updated: 2011-04-13 18:03
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Mosquitoes
West Nile virus is the main mosquito concern in the US. Although cases have dropped in the last decade, the CDC recorded 45 deaths from West Nile in 2010. Severe symptoms fortunately are rare but include high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, muscle weakness and paralysis, and the neurological effects sometimes are permanent.To avoid mosquitoes, the CDC advises wearing insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Empty standing water where mosquitoes breed.
While there are no known cases of West Nile infections in China, experts warn against the risks posed by mosquitoes as summer approaches.
Bees
At least 40 people a year die from allergic reactions to stings from bees or other insects, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Potentially life-threatening reactions occur in fewer than 1 percent of children and 3 percent of adults.
But seek care quickly for signs of an emergency, Blackwelder stresses: Swelling on the face or neck, shortness of breath or feeling dizzy. People who know they're allergic should carry an EpiPen.
Spiders
Bites from a black widow or brown recluse can require medical care, although fatalities are incredibly rare. You may not feel the black widow's bite, but within about an hour pain spreads through the abdomen, with cramping or rigid abdominal muscles.
Poison centers stock anti-venom, but most people do fine with muscle relaxants and other care, says Blackwelder, a spokesman for the American Academy of Family Physicians.
A brown recluse bite eventually forms an ulcer-like lesion that can get fairly large but usually requires just good wound care, he says.
Associated Press
