Giant jellyfish have flooded the beaches of the Algarve. Know what to do if you get bitten

The drum jellyfish (Rhizostoma luteum) was seen over 120 times in the last week of June on many beaches in the Algarve, from Lagos to Vila Real de Santo António, but mostly in the leeward zone. This is a large jellyfish whose bell diameter can reach 60 cm. It is a species with short, leafy branches with long dark appendages at the ends.

Contact with these microorganisms, even if they appear to be dead, should be avoided, as this can cause an allergic reaction and, in more serious cases, burns. The appearance of this species is often found on the Portuguese coast, especially in the Algarve, in summer and autumn. The increase in cases is due to currents and winds that favor the transfer of these organisms to the beaches.

Last Tuesday, about 50 bathers reported encountering jellyfish on a 400m stretch of Manta Rota Beach in VRSA.

“People complained of burning and hives. Due to the high number of cases, we decided to let the captain know what happened,” he told CM Alexander Martins, lifeguard coordinator at this beach.

Sea water and baking soda to treat bites

When in contact with jellyfish or jellyfish, the following procedures should be considered: do not rub or scratch the affected area; do not use fresh water, alcohol or ammonia, and do not apply bandages.

You must rinse with sea water and remove the tentacles from the jellyfish using gloves, plastic tweezers and saline or sea water.

If possible, apply baking soda mixed in equal parts with sea water. Use ice packs (do not apply directly to the skin).