Bites or stings
Bites from certain mammals encountered during travel (monkeys, dogs, bats, and rodents) present a risk for serious infection. Saliva from these animals can be contaminated so heavily with pathogens that a bite may not be required to cause human infection; contact with a preexisting cut or scratch or mucous membrane can represent sufficient exposure. Monkeys in Bali have not been reported to carry rabies virus. However, the presence of herpes B virus in monkeys can be a serious threat for human. Please contact nearest health facilities to get post exposure anti viral to prevent the risk of having Herpes B infection.
Snakes, insects, and marine fish and invertebrates are hazards in many locations. Most injuries from marine fish and invertebrates occur from chance encounters or defensive maneuvers. Resulting wounds have many common characteristics: bacterial contamination, foreign bodies, and occasionally venom.
The incidence of venomous injuries from marine fish and invertebrates is rising as the popularity of surfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling increases. Most species responsible for human injuries, including stingrays, jellyfish, stonefish, sea urchins, and scorpionfish, live in tropical coastal waters.
Prevention
Avoiding unfamiliar animals can help mitigate the risk of exposure to rabies, and travelers should avoid the temptation to adopt stray animals from abroad. Advise parents traveling with young children to watch them carefully around unfamiliar animals, as they are more likely to be bitten or scratched and to sustain more severe injuries.
Avoiding stinging and venomous animals is a traveler’s best precaution. Most stings and envenomation result from startling, stepping on, handling, attempting to feed, or otherwise harassing the animal. Before engaging in recreational activities, travelers should try to learn about the animals they may encounter, including their characteristics and habitats. Travelers should be aware of their surroundings:
- Especially at night and during warm weather when snakes tend to be more active
- When water conditions create poor visibility, rough water, currents, or confined areas
- Travelers should wear protective clothing: Heavy, ankle-high or higher boots and long sleeves and pants when walking outdoors in areas possibly inhabited by venomous snakes and biting insects
- Rash guards, swim boots, or other protective footwear in water where these animals are present
