Over 30 swimmers last week encountered poisonous jellyfish on one of the beaches of the resort island of Phuket in Thailand. In connection with the influx of jellyfish, the authorities warned vacationers about the danger of swimming in the water and the need to follow warning signs.
All cases of fatal encounters have been recorded on Kata beach, The Thaiger newspaper reports. Fortunately, most of the victims suffered only minor burns, although they could have died from the deadly creatures.
Authorities have said they need to raise awareness among visitors to the summer country and have placed information boards at more than 20 popular tourist beaches around Phuket, including Patong, Nai Yang, Surin, and Cape Panwa, with information on what to do if a tourist is stung. jellyfish The rescuers were provided with bottles of vinegar so that they could also quickly come to the aid of the victims.
As reported by the Thai media, the head of protection of marine resources of Phuket, Suchart Ratanruangsri, personally conducted an instruction in which he advised tourists to pour vinegar on the bite site for at least 30 seconds if stung by a fiery jellyfish. If the cause of the bite is Portuguese ships, whose poison has a nerve-paralytic effect similar to that of a cobra, it is recommended to wash the wound with seawater. According to the expert, it is very important to seek medical help as soon as possible after providing first aid.
Thailand is home to many species of dangerous jellyfish, including the Morbakka fennel, and the fire jellyfish. It differs in shape in the form of a transparent bell with four purple tentacles, the length of each is 50 cm. This breed got its name because of its potent sting. Other dangerous individuals are sea wasps and Portuguese ships, contact with which can cause cardiac arrest. It is not necessary to learn to distinguish jellyfish, rescuers know how to do it. It’s another thing if you go into the water on wild beaches… Help may not come there.
Unfortunately, deadly poisonous jellyfish are found in Thai waters all year round. However, it is not necessary to cancel your beach vacation because of this, it is better to learn the necessary tips on the prevention and treatment of jellyfish stings. One of the most important recommendations for those who bathe is not to ignore the flag hanging on the beach. According to the international standards followed by the kingdom, the flags can have different colors, but it is the presence of dangerous marine animals near the shore, such as jellyfish, stingrays, and sea urchins, that the purple flag will tell tourists. Usually, the warning signs accompanying the flags in Phuket are signed in seven languages – Thai, English, Russian, French, German, Korean, and Chinese.
Unfortunately, tourists ignoring warning signs on a beach in Thailand or anywhere often have tragic consequences. Do not underestimate the danger posed by poisonous jellyfish. Their poison rapidly affects the cardiovascular system and can cause a person’s heart to stop in just two to five minutes. Untreated jellyfish stings can be fatal.