hi, my daughter is in Hopkins with a volunteer group, ProBelize, supposedly doing some building projects. She arrived on Dec. 29 and they went into the jungle on Jan 2 as a search party for missing people. She was badly bitten by sand fleas and no-see-ums so that she bled. The bites have made her ankles and lower legs swell quite badly and they are hot and red. WE are concerned that they are infected and that she might need medical attention. Does anyone know where she can get help? She said that the doctor at the Hopkins clinic is on vacation. A web site said that the hospital in Dangriga is new; is this true or will she have to get to Belize City for more antibiotics. thanks for any advice or information.

She must be suffering mightily! The hospital in Dangriga (Southern Regional) would be able to treat her, I'm pretty sure. She needs to get there as soon as she can if she can't get to the doctor in Hopkins.

Your daughter might want to try antihistamines in the interim. "Antihistamines can also relieve itchiness caused by insect bites and stings, poison ivy and poison oak." (Benadryl, Actifed, etc) This in not in lieu of the visit to the Dr but rather an interim measure to help relieve the itching/swelling. I have been attacked by sand fleas many times and this is what I have used.. but must admit that on at least one occassion did have to resort to getting a steriod shot from the Dr (in Belize)! Now I have Benadryl ready the minute I notice I have been bitten.

Hopefully she finds quick relief...
Gail

Sounds more like chiggers, try applying nail polish to the bites or vicks vaporub (not the bleeeding ones.) The hospital in Dangriga is very good, had surgery there, very professional.

Chiggers are god awful things and I've had them in places unspeakable. For me they usually last 3 to 4 weeks.

I don't recollect the doctor's name in Dangriga but he was good. Too reasonable in price though.

She'll need some professional help for sure.
Encourage her.....

I live here in Dangriga and the Southern Regional Hospital is VERY good.

She can get help here.

All she need is antibiotics.

If it's chigger, baby oil is good too.

I have a terrible reaction to the bites I get, hot and red and swollen and all that stuff. Taking Benadryl, spraying bactine on the bites, and drinking a lot of water has made it bearable (amazing what staying hydrated can do for ya!). Of course she should see a doc too, but those things have helped me.

Good God -get your daughter to the Universal hospital-what is the matter with you-let her use her insurance and then send her to the islands to recuperate-keep her out of "bugs way'

I suspect Botless flies. Much worse than sand fleas, and very common in that area. I've had the problem myself. Not much you can do. It goes away after a week or so. Not fun...but you can live with it.

I suspect botless flys, as well. Just in from SP tonight. I take benadryl with me, and give myself a 50mg injection with immediate relief. Then the pussy, gaping holes dry up & peel off.
We went to Journey's End one night & I got acosted on the beach, and the bug bites were bad, too.