- Jellyfish stings are a common problem for people diving, wading or swimming in seawaters.
- The long tentacles trailing from the body of the jellyfish can inject you with venom through thousands of microscopic barbed stingers.
- Jellyfish stings vary in severity, however, often result in pain and red, irritated marks on the skin.
A 31-year-old Chinese man was admitted to the emergency department after being stung by a box jellyfish with multiple tentacles at Chawang beach on Samui island. The patient was initially treated with vinegar, 10 to 15 minutes after being admitted. However, later required cardiopulmonary resuscitation because his condition worsened. He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit and put on a respirator.
Types of jellyfish
Jelly fish are commonly known as the most venomous marine animals. The venom is a complex mixture of polypeptides and proteins including dermatonecrotic toxins, cardiotoxins and hemolytic toxins. In most cases of jellyfish stings, the signs and symptoms develop immediately after being stung. The wound characteristics are similar to step-like burn marks and caterpillar tracks.
There are many types of jellyfish that can cause severe pain and are more likely to cause a systemic reaction. Jellyfish that can cause serious problems in people are:
Box jellyfish
Box jellyfish stings cause intense pain and life-threatening reaction. The more dangerous species of box jellyfish are found in warm waters of the Pacific and Indian oceans.
Portuguese man-of-war
The Portuguese man-of-war or bluebottle jellyfish is mostly found in warmer seas.
Sea nettle
The sea nettle is commonly found in both warm and cool seawaters. They live along the northwest coast of United States and are found abundantly in Chesapeake Bay.
Lion’s mane jellyfish
Lion’s mane jellyfish is the world’s largest jellyfish with a body diameter of more than 3 feet. They are more commonly found in cooler, northern regions of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
While jellyfish stings are life-threatening in rare cases, some stings can cause systemic illness. Most jellyfish stings can be treated with home treatment, such as, applying vinegar. Although, severe reactions require immediate medical care.
References
Thaikruea, L., Siriariyaporn, P., Wutthanarungsan, R., & Smithsuwan, P. (2015). Review of fatal and severe cases of box jellyfish envenomation in Thailand. Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health, 27(2), NP1639-NP1651.
