What is hidden in the water ?

Hi all,

A bit different question, I hope someone can help:
Last week we walked in Wadi Ibm Hammad, from the Hammam, down to the dead sea. The trip was wonderful, full of water along the way that were great contrast to the boiling air.
A bit after we started, while walking in the running water wearing flip flops, I felt a very sharp, painful bite in my foot. Could not see any red sign on it or swelling. After few minutes to relax, we continued and then again, after 1 hour, I felt the same bite without any signs. It was definately not a crab, as it could not reach that specific area on my leg.

Any ideas anyone what could that be ?

It was not the first time for us to walk in running water at different wadi's in Jordan, but the first time to feel that.

Thanx.

O.

I suggest for you to visit any doctor and you'll get helped

The Dead Sea is full of super-concentrated minerals and salts.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_Sea_salt
http://www.jordantc.com/deadsea.html
Due to soil erosion, many of these minerals and salts leach into the streams flowing into the Dead Sea. If you go to Amman Beach at the Dead Sea, you will see signs warning you about going into the sea with cuts or scratches.

Little fish, I reckon.

You get them in Wadi Mujb as well. They just take little nibbles at your feet and legs, and they don't leave marks. Nothing to be concerned about.

I think SPDL is right.This reminds when i was in London in one of the markets i had toes treatment in a bucket of water and hungry little creatures/fish.nippled and caused stinging like sensation and clean shiny toes was the results.
cheers

I have experienced those fish and they certainly do not give a "sharp, painful bite". Must be something else.

henkos is right - there is no chance it was one of these small fish. The bite was painful - I had to sit aside to rest for few minutes - nothing like the tickling you can feel when from the small fish. We felt these a day after, at the pool at the end of Wadi Hassa, near the water factory, where there are plenty of them there.

This is a listing of faculty members in the Biology Department at the University of Jordan in Amman. Try contacting one of its members, he/she may be able (and hopefully willing) to help you or refer you to someone who can.

http://science.ju.edu.jo/Biology/departmentstaff/AllStaff.aspx

Hi,
More likely you stepped on a sharp crystal.
These do form in evaporating water!

The department of Biology in Amman is a good idea. I will give it a try.
There is a possibility it was a crystal in the water but most probably not, since there seemed no signs of cut/bite. Maybe it was.

Thanks for the ideas.