90 CASES OF JELLYFISH STINGS REPORTED ALONG COASTAL BELT OF GOA IN LAST TWO DAYS
PANAJI: Over 90 cases of jellyfish stings were reported along the coast between Wednesday and Thursday. Drishti lifesavers posted along the beach were inundated with first aid cases related to jellyfish stings.
Over the past two days, the Baga-Calangute beach belt witnessed over 55 cases while the Candolim to Sinquerim beach stretch saw 10 cases. South Goa reported over 25 cases of jellyfish related accidents requiring immediate first aid.
In one particular incident which occurred in Baga, a male who went parasailing developed chest pain and experienced breathing difficulty after being stung by a jellyfish. As he was short of breath, oxygen was administered while an ambulance was called for and the victim was rushed to the hospital.
As crowd density along the beach is increasing with the number of tourists entering the state, constant announcements and cautioning is done by the lifesavers to warn beach goers about the jellyfish in the waters.
Jellyfish are of two kinds- toxic and non-toxic. While most jellyfish stings are harmless to humans and cause only mild irritation; in very rare cases jellyfish species can cause harm on contact.
Drishti Marine has advised immediate first aid precautions that should be taken in case a person comes in contact with the jellyfish:
• If stung by a jellyfish inform the nearest lifesaver or approach the lifesaver tower.
• Wash the stung area with hot water (as hot as you can stand it) as heat further breaks down the toxins.
• Generously spray the stung area with vinegar. It is known to diffuse any poison that may be more active in the nematocysts present in the tentacles.
• Place ice packs on the stung area to reduce the pain and swelling.
• In case of chest pain and breathing difficulty, visit the doctor immediately.
Drishti Marine, the State-appointed professional water rescue and lifesaver agency advises locals as well as the tourist to be cautious of the presence of jellyfish that could possibly be present in the waters or along the shoreline.