DE State Beachgoers warned of Portuguese man o’ war sightings
First sharks were spotted in Delmarva’s waterways, now Officials are saying that a type of stinging jellyfish has made it to the Delaware coast, for the first time in over a decade.
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources say there were a number of sightings of the Portuguese man o’ war, that hasn’t been seen in Delaware State Parks for at least 15 years. On Sunday night, one ma o’ war washed up on Faithful Steward Beach at Delaware Seashore State Park while another beached early Monday at Fenwick Island State Park, and a third Monday afternoon at Cape Henlopen State Park. Parks Chief of Enforcement Wayne Kline said “These are beautiful creatures that should be observed only from a safe distance.”
According to the report, the man o’ war’s tentacles, which may grow to 50 feet in length. Kline added they “can cause very painful – though usually non-life-threatening – stings.” The stings will reportedly be painful for around an hour, and will appear as whip like red welts for several days. Corporal Bryan John, head of the Natural Resources Police lifeguard patrol said “Help should be sought immediately if the sting victim exhibits any of the following conditions.”
The stings can cause an allergic reaction on some people, that could be fatal. Officials warn to look for the following symptoms:
– Trouble breathing
– Swelling of the lips or tongue
– Closure of the wind pipe
– Dizziness
– Fainting
– Vomiting, nausea or cramps
“If you are stung, seek the assistance of a lifeguard immediately,” he went on to say. “If you are stung on an unguarded beach, acting as quickly as you can, you should remove the tentacles with a towel, stick or anything handy – avoiding further contact with bare skin – and then rinse the area of the sting with sea water. Do not rub it,” Cpl. John said.
Officials also warn to not touch the jellies, even if they look dead on the beach, as stinging cells can continue to inflict injury even after the animal has washed up. They also warned swimmers who see a Portuguese man o’ war at a Delaware State Park beach, to get out of the water, and let the nearest lifeguard know.
The jelly looks like an inflated purple and blue balloon floating along the surface in the water, and a duller blue plastic bag when washed ashore. Cpl. John reiterated that no matter how compelling or exotic they may be for inviting a closer look, or touch, contact with the Portuguese man o”war is to be avoided at all costs.
