If you visit the beaches of Mumbai now, you might spot a strikingly gorgeous blue jellyfish sticking to the golden sands. The very sight of it might excite you to pick it up or at least take a selfie along with it. But DARE NOT DO ANY OF THAT! It might be a blue bottle jellyfish, also called Portuguese man-of-war. These hydrozoans have been spotted recently at Mumbai’s Juhu beach. No matter how stunning they appear, their stings are excruciating. Each year, they are transported to the shore by the monsoon winds. The tides take back a few of them, while some others get stuck in the sand and end up perishing on the shore.
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The Sting Can Cause Burning Sensation, Painful Rashes And Swelling
In 2018, a swarm of these jellyfishes appeared on Mumbai beaches like Juhu, Chowpatty, Girgaum and Aksa, injuring more than 150 people, including children. The sting causes a burning sensation, severely painful red rashes and swelling. People can get injured when they step on the creatures or try to pick them up. Also, experts say that it is riskier when the person is in the water. So, if you take your children to the shore, be extra careful to ensure that they don’t come in contact with these jellyfishes.
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What To Do If You’re Accidentally Stung?
If you get accidentally stung by a blue bottle jellyfish, instantly pour seawater on the wound. Do not rub it. If you have a tweezer, try removing the visible tentacles. If you’re stung on your leg or foot, try not to walk or move. Or else, the venom might spread, increasing the pain. You can rinse the wound with vinegar. Visit a hospital and consult a doctor. Ask the expert if you can apply warm water to the wound.