A foreign tourist fell victim to a box jellyfish while swimming in the ocean near a public beach in Santa Fe on the Philippine island of Bantayan. This was reported by the Philstar newspaper concerning the statement of the mayor of the city.
The head of the Santa Fe resort, Ithamar Espinosa, confirmed the death of the vacationer. The deceased last Sunday was a 31-year-old tourist from Bohol — the tenth largest island of the Philippine archipelago, the center of the province of the same name. The woman touched the tentacles of the sea creature and soon died.
According to the politician, it is necessary to work on preventing similar cases in the future. Espinosa also urged all residents and visitors to follow safety rules when engaging in water sports in the Visayan Sea and the Pacific Ocean. “The safety of our residents and tourists is our top priority. Encounters with box jellyfish can be dangerous, the official said. “We remind everyone of the need to be vigilant and follow safety rules while participating in water sports.”
Currently, the active breeding season of jellyfish continues in the waters of tropical countries. This is a time of increased danger for tourists swimming there. “During this period, the probability of encountering jellyfish in coastal areas is higher. They can differ in size, shape, and severity of bites. Although most jellyfish stings are not life-threatening, they can cause discomfort, pain, and sometimes allergic reactions,” the message said earlier.
A sting from a poisonous box jellyfish causes fatal heart failure and can lead to serious complications. This type is found in tropical waters. The box jellyfish is the most poisonous and dangerous jellyfish in the world ocean and the most dangerous animal in the whole world. Her poison is enough to kill 60 people in 3 minutes.
Here are some tips to ensure safety while swimming in the sea:
- Wear protective clothing – a special protective suit (rash guard) to prevent contact with jellyfish.
- Study the local situation and avoid entering the water in areas where these marine creatures have been known to occur. Find out about the presence and level of danger of jellyfish in the place where you plan to swim, and follow local warnings.
- Be careful in drinking water, i.e., watch the animals around, and avoid contact with any representatives of the marine environment in the tropics.
- Be ready to provide first aid to yourself or the victim. Knowing the correct actions in case of a bite can significantly reduce the risk of death.