​​Poison Information Centre

Previous tips

Poison safety during the winter months

• Cough and Cold p​reparations 
  
• Carbon Monoxide (CO) ​
  
• Petroleum products ​​​
  

Bee stings

A bee sting can be a very unpleasant experience! Some people are highly allergic to bee venom and can present with life threatening symptoms after only one sting. Some of us might not even be aware that we are allergic, so it's important to protect yourself against beestings. Read more...​

Marine Animal Poisoning and Envenomation

Remember that when you are spending time at the beach you will find blue-bottles, jellyfish and sea-anemones.  Bluebottles have specialised stinging cells which may fire during contact. Stings result in painful and itchy skin eruptions.  Jelly fish and sea-anemones found on the South African coastline are not really poisonous. Read more...

Tip about snake bites

The summer season is the time when snakes become active. 

If a snake bite occurs the most important thing to do is to get the person to a medical facility as soon as possible. Do not waist time by cutting, sucking or fiddling with the bite site.  Phone the hospital and let them know that you are on your way. Read more...

Mushrooms

Rainy season is the time when mushrooms usually come up on the lawn, in forests and in parks. This could be problematic with toddlers who are inquisitive by nature. Read more...​