Jellyfish Sting

A jellyfish sting is a common yet painful reminder that caution should always be exercised when delving into ocean waters.

Watch out!

Nature has its share of splendors, and the depth of the ocean is just as mystical. The jellyfish is just one of the thousands of creatures that dwell closely under the surface of the sea. Jellyfish are non-aggressive translucent members of the Cnidaria family. This unique creature has eight rows of fused cilia that create a breathtaking rainbow glow when the sunlight reflects upon them. Jellyfish are planktonic carnivores that seek their nourishment through a gastrovascular cavity, rather than a digestive tract.

The jellyfish is surrounded by tentacles that are covered in venomous sacs. The occurrence of a jellyfish sting is almost always accidental. Swimmers, divers, surfers, fishermen and marine biologists may experience a jellyfish sting if they swim or wade too close to the animal, or practice improper handling techniques. Although a jellyfish bite is rarely deadly, proper precautions should be made to avoid the sting, and to treat it properly if one occurs.

Not every sting happens with the victim's knowledge. Often the painful sting occurs before the jellyfish is observed, leaving the victim no fair warning to flee their wrath. Although the bite itself may happen without warning, the following symptoms will quickly follow a jellyfish sting:

• Itching
• Rash
• Stinging pain
• Welts
• Swelling

For some, additional moderate or severe symptoms may accompany a jellyfish sting such as:

• Anaphylaxis
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Loss of eyesight
• Death

The deadliest jellyfish is the box jellyfish. This species can be found in the waters of Australia. Should you be unfortunate enough to be stung by this species of venomous jellyfish, emergency medical treatment is advised.

Proper treatment is crucial when handling a sting. Oftentimes, alkali-venom tentacles may be stuck to the surface of the skin. Any tentacles remaining on the skin will need to be removed carefully (preferably with gloves) to avoid further exposure to the poisonous venom.

The following steps should be followed to quickly treat a jellyfish sting:

• Rinse thoroughly with salt water, as fresh water will worsen the sensation of the sting
• Restrict bodily movement to prevent envenomation
• For pain relief, administer ibuprofen or acetaminophen
• Allergy medication can be administered as recommended to reduce further symptoms
• Ice may be applied in intervals of 15-20 minutes to help the pain and swelling subside
• Vinegar (although controversial) may be applied directly to the jellyfish sting to counteract the effects of the toxin

Always keep a close eye on the victim of a jellyfish sting and seek immediate treatment if the condition worsens or if severe reactions such as anaphylaxis develop.

Although not all stings can be prevented, there are a few precautions that can be made to avoid a sting if you encounter this unique ocean animal.

• Be aware of your surroundings. Jellyfish may float in the ocean solitary or in a large family of jellyfish known as a bloom.
• Take cover! Once you see a jellyfish, keep your distance and swim away! Jellyfish travel with the tides of the water, so watch carefully to avoid their direction.
• Do not touch a jellyfish. If you find a jellyfish washed up on shore or floating on the surface of the water, do not touch it! Even a washed up jellyfish can be alive and ready to sting.
• Carefully remove tentacles if stung to avoid subsequent stings.

Jellyfish are relatively harmless ocean creatures whose presence should only be admired from afar. During active swimming months, remind young children to keep a close eye on the glistening surface of the water and these stinging rainbows who casually float, ebb and flow their way through the changing tides.

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