Ah, summer! The sun, the sea… and the jellyfish. Each year, these small, translucent, gelatinous marine animals wreak havoc on the beaches. At the end of August, a very special species, called the portuguese galleyraises serious concerns.
Its rapid proliferation has also led to the closure of certain beaches in several European countries such as Spain, Portugal and even France. So, how to recognize it and what to do in case of a bite?
Contact with physalia can cause burns
Also called physalia or sea bladder, it is not a jellyfish strictly speaking, but rather a “Marine animal“which is close to it, as specified in theRegional Health Agency (ARS) Pays de la Loire. It is easily identifiable thanks to its “long filaments“and to his”bluish color“. If this specimen is usually observed in the open sea, it also happens that it washes up on the beaches.
“Even if it is a magnificent and fascinating animal, it is a real danger“, warns Dominique Barthelemy, curator in charge of the living environment at Océanopolis, in the columns of Telegram. Indeed, the ARS explains that contact with this jellyfish can cause skin lesions “very painful“, likeurticaria or some burns. Other more serious symptoms, such as vomitingof the dizziness or even a loss of consciousness can also be observed.
How to react well in the event of a Portuguese jellyfish sting?
In the event of the presence of this jellyfish, it is therefore strongly recommended not to bathe but especially not to touch it, even when washed ashore. So, what are the good reflexes to have if you should still be the victim of a bite? Health authorities recommend:
- Remove visible filaments with pliers or a glove
- Rinse with sea water without rubbing
- Apply dry sand (especially not wet!) and scrape with a credit card
“There is still a risk of seeing other species arrive, especially in September and October, with the first storms and still warm water“, warns Dominique Barthelemy. So be very vigilant and immediately consult a doctor or call the SAMU (15) in case of symptoms.
Read also :
⋙ Are there jellyfish on the beach you frequent? The trick to find out
⋙ Jellyfish: the mistake not to make when you get stung
⋙ Jellyfish sting: the trick to know to relieve the pain