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Taking precautions against jelly-fish stings
In recent years and during certain seasons,
some of the Spanish coasts are becoming
full of jelly-fish that are swept on shore by
marine currents. This could alter or, even
prevent, walks or swimming in the affected
beaches.
Jelly-fish have stinging cells that contain
poison which is released when they try to
defend themselves in case of danger or to
capture their prey. Most incidents generally
occur due to accidental contact with the je-
lly-fish when bathing or when stepped upon
or handled mostly by children.
Although there are always some excep-
tions, stings do not pose a serious threat
and generally depend on the species.
Contact with live or dead jelly-fish or parts
of it produces immediately pain or an in-
tense itching in the affected area and the
reactions include reddening, inflammation,
and small vesicles. On rare occasions, the
symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and
muscle spasms. In the most serious cases,
there could be loss of consciousness and
the resulting danger of drowning.
People who have had previous contact with
jelly-fish could be more sensitive and a se-
cond sting could produce a more adverse
reaction. People with a history of allergies
and those with heart problems should be
particularly careful. Children should be wat-
ched very carefully.
Besides those bathing in the beach, scuba-
divers or those who work in the sea can
also be affected. Precaution should be
taken since the greatest risk is not being
aware of the danger of being in contact with
jelly-fish.
If you have been stung or have touched a
jelly-fish, you should follow these recom-
mendations:
1. Clean the affected area.
2. Do not rub the affected area with sand
or with a towel or with anything else
that might cause more injury.
3. Always use salt water, never clean the
area with freshwater.
4. Apply a cold compress during 15 mi-
nutes on the affected area, using a
plastic bag full of ice. Never apply ice
directly unless it is icy sea water.
5. If there are any remaining parts of the
tentacles attached to the skin, do not
make any brusque movements; these
should be removed using tweezers
and the affected area should never be
touched with the hands.
6. If the pain is very intense or if the
individual’s condition worsens, go im-
mediately to a hospital or clinic.
If there are a large number of jelly-fish in the
beach, follow these useful recommenda-
tions:
1. Take precautions even if the jelly-fish
are far from the bathing area since wa-
ves can break their tentacles and the-
se floating pieces remain active.
2. Do not stroll on the beach where the
waves break since the area could be
full of jelly-fish fragments.
3. Avoid playing games on the shore
when there are jelly-fish in the area.
4. With precaution and without touching
them with your fingers, take them out
of the water and collect those that re-
main on the edge of the water.
5. Warn other bathers that they should
not touch them, even if they seem
dead or are broken into pieces.
6. When jelly-fish appear on the beaches,
the best precaution is to stay out of the
water.