WARNING signs were posted at Koh Racha Yai, off Phuket, that bluebottle jellyfish, also known as the Portuguese man o’ war, have stung three people with one of them hospitalised but now in safe condition, TV Channel 7 said today (June 25).
They have been found in the waters of Ao Tu and Ao La (Tu and La bays) of this island which together with Koh Racha Noi has been an almost exclusive paradise for divers for years. However Racha Yai’s white sand beaches and expanding accommodations have now increased its popularity.
Seafarer Divers Phuket Co., Ltd said one of their crew members was stung by a bluebottle and as he had difficulty in breathing was taken to the hospital for treatment. Two divers too were similarly stung.
Bluebottle jellyfish are not jellyfish. Technically, they are a zooid or a colony of individuals that need each other to live.
Usually, huge groups of them wash up on beaches during the high tide. They can also be seen from afar in the water and on the sand, which can help alarm you if there are bluebottles nearby. Bluebottle stings are prevalent because they gravitate towards shallower waters where people are more likely to swim, WebMD.com said.
People are warned to be very careful if they get stung by a bluebottle as it will lead to pain, burning sensation, swelling and a rash. It can cause bronchoconstriction, affect the nervous system, lead to the heart beating faster and possible death.
Upon being stung people should use a hard material to push the tentacles away but not directly touch it with their hands. Also do not touch the wound with your hands nor massage it or apply any kind of medicine. Use vinegar to clean the area but do not wash it with fresh water as it will cause the poison to spread and immediately go to the hospital.
The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources has set up a Marine Warning Application on Mobile as a means of warning marine tourists and local residents of any danger.
Displayed at this app are statistics on marine phenomena such as sea water colour change, reverse wave problems, oil spills, jellyfish poison spots and coastal erosion.
CAPTIONS:
Top: A warning sign of bluebottle jellyfish being found in surrounding waters. Photos: TV Channel 7
Front Page: A bluebottle jellyfish. Photo: Reinhard Dirscherl/ullstein bild/Getty Images and published by CNN
Also read: Blue Tree Phuket to close its lagoon soon
American man swept into the sea, wife and child rescued in Phuket
Move to close Pattaya motorbike stand after riders assault tourist
Many big names tipped to be voted senators
PM mum on Swedish lobby on air force’s fighter purchase plan
Sudarat dares Pheu Thai to promise to not scrap party-list mode
Tourism-deprived South Thailand provinces expect better days with improved road, air access
