Following threats of shark attacks and flesh-eating bacteria at various beaches, officials warn of a new danger that may be spoiling the fun for beachgoers, particularly in the state of New Jersey. Portuguese man-of-wars, a jellyfish-like creature more closely associated with zooids, have been spotted by environmental experts washing up on shores in the east at alarming numbers. They were first seen in June, as previously reported on HNGN, but about 30 of these creatures have been seen in the past weeks from Delaware to New York.
Three children have reportedly been stung, including a seven-year-old, according to ABC News 10. These creatures have tentacles that stretch up to 30 feet long and their sting has been described as more painful than a regular jellyfish. Its sting can even be deadly, the report stated.
Beachgoers often mistake Portuguese man-of-wars for plastic bags. According to experts, warmer ocean currents and strong winds may have caused their presence at the beach, News Maine reported.
The Long Island Coastal Conservation Research Alliance, meanwhile, confirmed more sightings on their Facebook page, in specific areas "like Robert Moses, Kismet, Davis Park and Cherry Grove on Fire Island, Tiana Beach in Hampton Bays, and the bay and ocean side of Montauk."
If stung by these creatures, the most prudent thing to do would be to get out of the water and then check for any allergic reaction, which typically includes dizziness, difficulty in breathing, profuse sweating and heart problems.
The sting may be treated with ocean water and not fresh water, as this will only make it worse, according to NJ.com. "No, you don't have to pee on your friend's leg. It's an urban myth. Sea water is more hygienic," said John Kulin of the Urgent Care Now in Ocean County.
The stingers must then be removed by scraping the skin using a credit or identification card and not a razor blade. For relief, apply shaving cream or a baking soda poultice as it is being scraped and then apply hydrocortisone cream afterwards.
Call 911 to get more medical help, if needed.
