Beware of box jellyfish, beach tourists warned
The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has urged tourists to beware of poisonous box jellyfish, which are often found near the beach during the rainy season.
“Box jellyfish, named after their body that looks like a clear cubic box, have high toxins in their tentacles,” DDC acting director-general Dr Thares Krainairawiwong said on Tuesday.
“There are two types of this jellyfish that people should beware of: the single tentacle type can cause victims who are stung to experience muscle ache, nausea, and sometimes even become paranoid,” he said.
“The multiple tentacle type, on the other hand, is more deadly,” warned Thares. “Victims will display a rash or burn mark where they were stung, causing excruciating burning sensation. If they receive toxins at high volume, they would feel lightheaded, followed by heart stopping, failure of the respiratory system, and eventually death within 2-10 minutes.”
Thailand recorded 48 cases of serious injuries and deaths from box jellyfish from 1999-2021.
Thares advised visitors to the beach to avoid swimming in the sea right after it rains, or when there are corpses of jellyfish scattered on the beach.
“If you wish to swim, make sure to wear clothes that cover most of your body like long sleeve shirts and pants,” he said.
The DDC also urged local authorities to survey their beachside attractions for signs of jellyfish and put up warning signs for tourists, or consider deploying anti-jellyfish net around the area. Attractions in risky areas should also provide bottles of vinegar to treat the jellyfish sting.
“If you are stung by jellyfish, try to get out of the water or ask others for help. Do not stay in the water, as you could pass out and drown,” said Thares. “When you reach the shore, pour vinegar on the wound for about 30 seconds. Avoid using other liquids like fresh water, liquor, urine, or alcohol. Do not rub the wound, as it will only spread the poison.”
If the victim is unconscious, give them a CPR and call the emergency medical team, or DDC hotline 1669.
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