And today's the day.
As pointed out earlier, you don't have much to worry about.
There ARE parisitic worms that can enter the body via the skin. They are called hookworms and are more common in parts of the world that don't have freezing weather, good sanitation, or modern animal hygene.
The worms are shed in the feces of the host, commonly dogs and cats, possibly livestock or even people. They can hang around a while in the soil waiting to latch onto a host.
Americans with our soft skin might be an easier mark than folks who don't usually wear shoes.
Would I worry about the beaches? Probably not. I'd avoid going barefoot where the likelyhood of animal droppings being ground into the soil was greater.
No doubt , as was pointed out earlier, you have more to worry about from the tap water, than hookworms.
Go have fun and enjoy the diving. If you have any concerns, wear shoes when you are away from the beach.
KYDan
As pointed out earlier, you don't have much to worry about.
There ARE parisitic worms that can enter the body via the skin. They are called hookworms and are more common in parts of the world that don't have freezing weather, good sanitation, or modern animal hygene.
The worms are shed in the feces of the host, commonly dogs and cats, possibly livestock or even people. They can hang around a while in the soil waiting to latch onto a host.
Americans with our soft skin might be an easier mark than folks who don't usually wear shoes.
Would I worry about the beaches? Probably not. I'd avoid going barefoot where the likelyhood of animal droppings being ground into the soil was greater.
No doubt , as was pointed out earlier, you have more to worry about from the tap water, than hookworms.
Go have fun and enjoy the diving. If you have any concerns, wear shoes when you are away from the beach.
KYDan
One can catch various foot and nail fungi from other tourists just walking on shared areas, especially damp ones. Wear flips flops, at least (called them "shower shoes in the Marines :iwagima: ) I do think the pools are chlorinated, though.
