Deadly Jellyfish Invasion: Advice for British Travellers
British holiday makers heading to their favourite Mediterranean spots have been warned of the increase in deadly jelly fish.
The Mediterranean has seen enormous swarms of jellyfish, some of which are deadly, taking over in the recent years and a top scientist and jelly fish expert has warned British holiday makers of the dangers the stinging fish pose to human life.
"If we don't do anything about the situation, all the indications suggest that the Mediterranean is moving towards a gelatinous future, just like the rest of the seas of the world," he warned, yesterday," said Ferdinando Boero, professor of Zoology at Salento University in Italy.
Advice for British Travellers
According to jellyfish experts, the best line of protection is to remain aware, vigilant and avoid taking any risks. It is customary practice for Marine Biological Centres and provincial authorities across the world to post warnings where harmful jellyfish have been spotted. Do not enter waters where warning signs have been posted.
;A dead jellyfish washed up on the beach may look harmless, but if the tissue is still moist, it can sting.
Wear protective swimwear, like a rash guard that covers head, neck as well as hands, and a pair of flippers (fins) or swimming shoes, to avoid all contact with jellyfish.
Entering the water slowly is good practice because it gives marine stingers time to float or move out of the way.
Swim with a partner and keep your eyes peeled when venturing out. The sting from a jellyfish can be paralysing, which can make it difficult to swim back to shore.
When stung by a jellyfish, do not panic. Take these steps:
Do not scrub or wash with fresh water, sun tan lotion or any aromatic-based liquid as these will aggravate the stings.
Do not scrub or wash with fresh water, sun tan lotion or any aromatic-based liquid as these will aggravate the stings.
Apply vinegar to the affected area to help reduce the toxic response. Hotels and resorts along the Phuket coastline, and dive operators, have been advised to keep a bottle of vinegar as part of any first aid kit. Sand or flour can be used to cover the sting area and dry out remaining tentacles.
On the very rare occasion of muscle spasms, it is essential to check into a local urgent care centre. Getting stung by a jellyfish is like getting a concentrated sunburn in one small area. It can be overwhelming.
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