Let\’s Visit Asia

Sandflies on the Beach

by Ruth on January 4th, 2008

You’re off to your dream tropical beach destination. Pristine waters, wide sandy beaches, with just a few cabañas along the shore. And there it is. A sting. An itchy bite. Sandflies, also referred to as No-See-Ums, because you rarely see them.

Are they health hazards? Travel Doctor says:

Lurking on the beaches of many of our favourite holiday and diving resorts is a disease that can do more than just ruin your holiday. It’s a disease that can haunt you for months after you return home, and even ruin your life. Though it’s not as widely known as malaria, it can be every bit as painful, tenacious, and dangerous. Worse yet, the source of the infection is nearly invisible - the ubiquitous no-see-um, the disease it transmits - Leishmaniasis.

Unfortunately, many tropical beaches in Southeast Asia have them.

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POSTED IN: Beaches in Asia, Travel Tips