SWIMMERS have been warned to be on the lookout after large concentrations of jellyfish or medusas, were detected in the southern Aegean, near Rhodes, by the Greek Marine Research Centre.
Glafkos Cariolou, responsible for maritime and aquatic research at the Cyprus Tourism Organisation, said yesterday that, “the Eastern Mediterranean eastbound currents, in conjunction with the westerly prevailing winds, are logically expected to carry some of these animals into the coastal waters of Cyprus.
“Very few will make it here, with three reports so far coming to light; one at Governor’s Beach in Limassol and two in Protaras. A mother and child have made a full recovery after coming into contact with the animals.”
The jellyfish here belong to the phylum colenterata family. They are hollow bodied, transparent, umbrella-looking animals often equipped with tentacles with stinging units called nematocysts. “Since the nematocysts are located at frequent intervals along the length of the tentacle, the exposure length of tentacle involved is a good measure of the number of stings delivered,” Cariolou said.
He explained that they can be found, “a few centimetres from the water’s surface or in water deeper than two metres. We don’t know exactly how many are in our waters but the conditions here don’t suit them as they multiply in very rich plankton waters, which we don’t have.
“Avoid bodily contact with jellyfish. Try to carry with you a mask or swimming goggles so you are able to see and avoid them and also to warn others. If there is a lifeguard on duty, call him and point out the area where the animals have been spotted.”
If stung, the symptoms are mild pain, raised red lesions and itching. Light muscle spasms may develop in the affected extremity.
Do not touch or scratch the affected area and rinse it with seawater to wash away any adherent nematocysts. Do not use fresh water, since this will activate the nematocysts. Do not scrub as this will also activate them and cause further venom delivery.
Nematocysts are inactivated by vinegar (or dilute acetic acid 5-10 per cent). If no vinegar is handy, then use wine, alcohol or even human urine. If you have a choice in the matter, use a man’s rather than a woman’s urine as females are more prone to urinary tract infections, thus introducing bacteria.
Remove any adherent tentacles that will cause further delivery of venom. The tentacles should be lifted off the skin (don’t scrape them off as this causes further stings). Use a stick or some other object to remove the tentacle(s) so as not to get your fingers stung.
If there are any nematocysts still adherent, then dust the area with baking powder, (or meat tenderiser) or flour, then carefully scrape off with the dull back edge of a butter knife. Alternatively, use an aerosol-type shaving cream to coat the area, then shave off any remaining nematocysts.
Symptoms of pain can be treated with topical anaesthetics; these are generally contained in sunburn preparations; look for active ingredients such as lidocaine or benzocaine.
Persistent redness, inflammation or itchiness can be treated with topical steroid cream like hydrocortisone.
If you begin to develop persistent muscle spasms, seek medical attention.
n Report any incident to: 24-653110 or 24-653113. In an emergency, call 99-473926.
