Health, Australia

In general you are safe in Australia. Still there are much more risks as in the US or in Europe, especially as Australia has dangerous animals, some tropical diseases and some other risks.

Dangerous animals

In the sea

The most dangerous animal in the sea is the stinger, or a blue bottle Jellyfish and also other Jellyfishes. They are near by the coast and in some areas you can only swim or snorkel with a special suit called stinger suit. They can be deadly and at least very painful. The Australian's know them well, so ask them immediately. The can be found in the norhern parts of Western Australia and also in Queensland (e.g. at the Great Barrier Reef). Always ask about the risk to the locals.

Crocodiles are also sometimes in the sea, or in brackwater - very dangerous. They are more in the northern territories - and locals always know what you can do and what you should not do.

In the sea are also some kind of snakes and some dangerous sharks (bullshark, great white), but usually both of them avoid any contact with humans.

In the freshwater

Freshwater crocodiles are also dangerous. Again, ask the locals, and this is more in the north of Australia.

On land

On the land you have certain snakes and spiders, which are dangerous. Most snakes, except the brown snakes, avoid the contact with humans and run away. In the case you are bitten, remember the appearance of the snake and keep quiet. Search for help asap, but do not do anything which you know from films (like burning, sucking, cuting into the bite area). Keep quiet and call for help.

Spiders

Some spiders can be dangerous, some even deadly.

Health in Australia

Dangerous illnesses

Most of them come through mosquitos, so just buy some spray and wear long cloths whenever the locals recommend it.

Dengue is rare, but due to the climate change in the north on the rise. It is normally not deadly. You will have headache and sometimes fever.

Cross River Fever is a dangerous virus - and it will stay with you forever. It can give you pain in the joints so that you can not move anymore. It is not deadly, but very very bad once you have it. It will come back from time to time.

Barmer Fever is similar to Cross River Fever, but less harmful.

Malaria is rare - but still there, in the north.