Due to latest sightings and reported stings of the Portuguese man-of-war in New Jersey, locals, officials and health care providers have raised concerns over awareness of this marine creature and the treatment of its painful sting. Twenty-four of the creatures had been accounted for as of previous day.
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With the 4th of July weekend quickly approaching, Surf City Councilman Peter Hartney is taking the time to warn his constituents about the presence of the jellyfish.
For the past several weeks, these large, colorful siphonophores have been spotted along the beaches in Harvey Cedars, New Jersey – where lifeguards cautioned swimmers by issuing water hazards.
Many on the beach Thursday said they won’t be going too deep into the ocean. It gets its name from the uppermost polyp, a gas-filled bladder, or pneumatophore, which sits above the water and somewhat resembles an old warship at full sail. These poisonous critters known as the Portuguese Man-of-War, which are related to jellyfish, have come ashore the island and sparked anxiety among its residents.
Ocean City Fire Chief Chris Bruenig says only one was reported on the beach on Sunday. It can also grow to be much longer up to 165 feet (50 meters), as per National Geographic Society.
The jellyfish plotted their invasion in synch with weather, as they can’t swim, only drift. Being stung by them can be excruciating though rarely lethal.
A person stung by a Portuguese man-of-war has to remain still to avoid further release of toxins into the body. You may have heard that peeing on a jellyfish sting makes the stinging sensation go away, but that’s not the case. On Saturday he said the beaches would be lovely once the weather cleared.
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According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, if stung by a man o’ war, you should rinse it with lukewarm fresh water and carefully remove any parts of the tentacles still attached to the skin, wearing gloves of course. “There are currents, wind and marine life”, Hartney said. “So they’re around, but you need the right combination of the Gulf Stream and coastal winds to bring them to this area”.
