Warning to all Dog Walkers

To all dog walkers and walkers on the campo behind C2 on the Camposol Urbanisation.

I would just like to warn you of the dangers that lurk in the undergrowth, as I had a very bad experience last Wednesday morning (2.6.09). My wife and I have been walking our dogs on the campo for the last 4 years and never had any problems. I have only had one bee sting to date! However, on Wednesday we did our normal walk, up the main track, crossing over the small paths heading towards the almond trees where you pick up the main track. All was fine until our return journey.


Having reached the almond trees, we took the narrow turning to the right and as always, my wife was someway ahead. As I came through this narrow path, I felt what was like a red hot needle at the back of my heel, just above the heel of my trainers.

Thinking I had been stung by a bee or a wasp, I paid not much attention to it. I called to my wife saying I had been stung, but to carry on, as being a bit sore may slow me down; also the dog likes to have a sniff here and there. Anyway, by the time I reached the ploughed field and turned right to go home I very suddenly had severe pains in my chest. My respiratory system began to fail and I began to sweat profusely. I tried using my inhaler, but this did not work. My wife was already out of sight and I was only able to take a few steps at a time. The chest pains and perspiration became worse with every step.

I eventually made it home. My wife could hear me gasping for breath. We were both unaware of the serious consequences, thinking I had just over-done the walk and suggested that I lie down for a while. I did, but in minutes I became very hot and checking my body, I was, from the legs upwards, covered in red blotches. I felt very bad and told my wife to call the doctor, which is not too far from us. By this time my throat was tightening and my lips had swollen and turned blue! My wife had to drive me to the doctors. On the way, my eyesight became blurred and I became quite disorientated.

On arrival at the ICA doctors, I was violently sick. At first Salvador, the doctor, thought I had been bitten by a snake, but as there was only one single pin prick we realised that it was in fact a scorpion.

All of you please be very careful and don’t take chances. My wife and I now only walk on the main paths and I consider myself very lucky to be alive. Had it not been for the doctor I would not be writing this letter.
Please take care.
Roy Bouhaire