MOSSEL BAY NEWS - More than 2 740 jellyfish sting cases on Mossel Bay beaches were reported from 1 December to 5 January.
This is according to information published on the Mossel Bay Municipality's Facebook page from the Mossel Bay Lifeguarding report.
The report stated that of the 3 137 first aid cases on Mossel Bay beaches during this period, 2 744 were jellyfish stings.
The municipality wrote in its post that while none of the country's jellyfish are deadly, their stings cause various reactions, from mild burning and redness to vomiting, muscle spasms and low blood pressure.
"For divers, diving gear protects the largest part of the body from stings. The face, however, remains exposed and therefore this is the area where stings often occur. Victims can also be stung in swallow water or on land by washed up jellyfish," stated the municipality.
The municipality urged people stung by jellyfish not to urinate on the affected area, as this may worsen the reaction. There is a belief that this practice helps.
Divers Alert Network (DAN) Southern Africa recommended the following steps to take when stung by jellyfish and other marine creatures:
1. Flood the wound with vinegar until the victim can get medical attention. If on an isolated beach, or in the sea, allow the vinegar to soak the stung skin or the tentacles that might still be tuck to the skin, for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, one can attempt to remove the tentacles and further treat the wound.
2. One can also flush the affected area with large amounts of sea water to remove any remaining tentacles.
3. Cover the affected area in hot water for between 30 to 90 minutes to reduce or manage pain.
4. Remove any remaining tentacle pieces with tweezers.
5. Shave the area using shaving cream and a safety razor.
6. Apply hydrocortisone cream or lotion.
7. Monitor for allergic reaction or infection.
8. Apply warm (nothing above 45°C) packs to control the pain and repeat as necessary.
9. If the affected area is large and the victim is very young or very old, or shows signs of illness (nausea, vomiting, weakness, shortness of breath or chest pain), seek help from a doctor.
If a person has tentacle fragments in their mouth, have them rinse their mouths and spit out whatever potable liquid is available.
If there is already swelling in the mouth (muffled voice, difficulty swallowing, enlarged tongue and lips), do not give anything by mouth, protect the airway and take the victim to a hospital quickly.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
