TROPICAL THREATS

Outdoorsy Caribbean guys (and gals!) embrace the natural landscapes and coastal beauty of our tropical surroundings to create unforgettable experiences. Unfortunately, many of them end up with unwanted souvenirs in the form of tropical diseases. Here are a few you need you be aware of before getting out there…

Leishmaniasis  

Beach lovers beware! Caused by parasites, leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease transmitted through the bites of infected sandflies. 

It can take several forms:

• Cutaneous, which appears as skin lesions or ulcers in the area of the bite 

• Mucocutaneous, which affects the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth, and throat, leading to potential disfigurement and other complications if not treated quickly

• Visceral, which attacks vital internal organs like the spleen, liver, and bone marrow, causing fever, weight loss, and anaemia

It’s important to take precautions against sandfly bites, including using insect repellent — especially at beaches or on trails that are sandfly-prone — and wearing long-sleeved clothing. Otherwise, be prepared to take antimony-based drugs, used to treat parasitic infections, some of which may have to be administered intravenously and naturally have side effects. 

Please don’t dismiss symptoms as “just as a sandfly bite” — we have seen a few cases recently after the disease having been dormant for a long time. Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial for successful recovery and to prevent unwanted progression and complications.

Myiasis 

Be prepared to be grossed out — this disease, also parasitic, is caused by horse flies biting you, then laying their larvae in your skin. The live maggots feed off your tissue, causing localised irritation at the site, as well as broader, systemic pain. 

Should this happen, be on the lookout for signs of itching or swelling. You may also be able to see the maggots in the affected area. These will have to be surgically removed, especially if deeply embedded, as they can infect the surrounding tissue.  

To avoid myiasis, good personal hygiene is a must. Keep wounds clean and covered, and avoid flies like the plague. Prompt treatment is critical in preventing complications and accelerating healing.

Dengue 

Each rainy season we get warned about contracting this viral infection, most commonly transmitted via the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Symptoms include the sudden onset of high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and a full body rash, though infants often get the rash under the soles of their feet.  

Treatment includes a combination of rest, hydration (coconut water is very effective), and pain relief medications. Intravenous fluids may come into play in severe cases to avoid the condition worsening to haemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical intervention. 

Though it can be hard to do in the Caribbean, to avoid dengue fever, you’ve got to avoid mosquito bites. Avoid the collection of stagnant water in your home, as that is a choice breeding ground for mosquito larvae; use an effective insect repellent; wear long-sleeved clothing; and sleep under mosquito nets if necessary.

Caterpillar bites 

We all know the story of caterpillars turning into beautiful butterflies, but in the tropics, we’ve got to think twice about touching them! 

Even fairly common species, like the Pseudosphinx tetrio that frequents frangipani shrubs, are best kept away from. Not only does it bite, but the plumeria it feasts on is toxic can can cause reactions in some people. Interesting side note: it turns into a moth, not a butterfly. 

Many other Caribbean caterpillars are known to cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, even from a mild brush against their venomous spines or hairs. Contact with these types, colloquially called “shinneys”, can cause redness, itching, swelling, and in some cases, more severe reactions like allergic dermatitis. 

It's therefore best to avoid caterpillars altogether. If you do touch one inadvertently, seek medical attention once any form of skin irritation occurs.