In the past few days Goa has witnessed jellyfish being washed across it’s beaches. It is learnt that there have been over 90 cases of jellyfish stings reported along the Goan coast during the last two days.
Of these 25 cases required immediate first-aid. It is understood that in one particular incident, a man who went parasailing at Baga developed chest pain and experienced breathing difficulty after being stung by a jellyfish.
Jellyfish can be both toxic and non-toxic. Though jellyfish stings are harmless to human beings as they cause only mild irritation, in some cases they can prove dangerous.
Some varieties of jellyfish do release powerful venom into the skin. Prompt jellyfish sting treatment can quickly alleviate pain and prevent a sting from getting worse.
Use of vinegar is effective in reducing the burning sensation and the release of toxins which if left in the body can have serious consequences later on.
Untreated cases can also cause allergic reactions. The lifeguards on the beaches need to be trained to treat cases of jellyfish sting. Ice-packs should be readily available to reduce the pain and swelling along with vinegar to treat such cases.
More importantly tourists venturing in the water should be advised to get immediate treatment if they come in contact with jellyfish. Sign-boards warning visitors to the beach of the jellyfish menace should prove effective in reducing such incidents.
