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What to do if get stung by jellyfish?

Recent cases of jellyfish stings in Malaysia are increasing due to the hot and dry season coming to the country. As a giant plankton, jellyfish movement majorly influenced by the water current. Thus, the species do not belong to one static area. For instance, Chiropsoides Buitendijki and Morbakka are frequent species found in Malaysia but recently, species of Physalia Physilis (Portuguese Man O' War) has been sighted as well in Peninsular of Malaysia.

This shows that, it is not under human's control to identify their favorite places to visible. Best we can do to avoid jellyfish stings is precaution from our side. Please always alert with surrounding area and prepare knowledge about the pre-treatments.

Chiropsoides Buitendijki sp. Small but a deadly jellyfish.


Morbakka sp. Look like common plastic.


Physalia Physilis sp. or Portuguese Man O' War. Beautiful and venomous one.


12 February 2020 - 11 carcasses and 10 alive of Portuguese Man O' War found on Kekabu Island Beach, Marang, Terengganu. Found by Australian tourists. 

15 February 2020 - Portuguese Man O' War found near Batu Buruk Beach, Kuala Terengganu as well (but no number counted). 

22 February 2020 - Department of Fisheries placed a warning signboard on Bukit Kluang beach, Besut, Terengganu, followed by the public report on the species seeings. Same report in Setiu beach as well.

25 February 2020 - A fisherman was stung by Portuguese Man O' War on the Penunjuk Kijal Beach, Kemaman, Terengganu.

...and the list continues.

These 3 species have been identified as venomous jellyfish species. People need to aware of these species especially when doing water activities such as snorkeling or swimming by the sea.


Despite all the awareness, some of the jellyfish sting victims are still struggling to handle the situation calmly. PANIC is the common reason why the situation can become even worsen and sometimes lead to death. So that, please bare in mind, SAFETY FIRST and STAY CALM no matter where we are. Following are the steps that we can take if the unfortunate situation happened to us or someone we know׃

  • Rinse the area with cooking vinegar for at least 30 seconds. (IMPORTANT׃ do not rinse with fresh water which can make it worse). The 4%-5% of acetic acid in vinegar could deacvtivate the reaction from nematocysts (needle-like stings of jellyfish attached in the skin), which if the stings are activated, the venom/toxic would spread throughout the body. Other than vinegar, coca cola drinks or baking soda paste could help too. This is because the acetic acid contained in them are approximately the same percentage as vinegar. The acetic acid however only helps to avoid the activation of namatocysts and may not reduce the pain.
  • Avoid rubbing the area with bare hands or sea sands. 
  • If available, use tweezers to pull off any tentacles still on the skin.
  • Do not put ice or ice packs on the area.
  • Go to hospital and get the full treatment.
Jellyfish stings cases are not trivial things. Please bring our own first aid including vinegar (the easier items to get) if planning to visit beach or island, especially when doing water activities. No matter where we are, please, safety first! Do not take it easy.



PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE.

P/S the above steps can be used for other marine species stings/spines cases as well such as sea urchin, sea anemone, hydroids, or fire corals.

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Comments

  1. Qaseh DanisyaOctober 8, 2020 at 3:52 PM

    Bwk cuka mase g Sabah hari tu. Last2 x sempat guna. Sakit gila kena sengat tu sampai pengsan. Tau2 jek bangun da ada kt hospital. Hahah

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Masrisazlin BakriOctober 13, 2020 at 1:49 PM

      Nasib baik cepat dibawa ke hospital. Bila dah panik, semua jadi tak sempat ya. Hehe.

      Delete

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