A swarm of blue bottle jellyfish also known as Portuguese man o’ war were spotted across the beaches of Mumbai, causing panic among Mumbaikar’s.
Several locals were stung by the venomous jellyfish and sustained injuries.
The venom of the Blue bottle jellyfish is lethal against fishes but it’s doesn’t cause severe injuries in Human. A sting by their long tentacles can cause itching and pain for hours.
Bluebottle jellyfishes are not that rare sight in Mumbai, during the mid-monsoon season. They come to the shore for reproduction.
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Around 150 people have been attacked by the jellyfish in the past two days, said a local shopkeeper at Juhu Beach.
“The beach is full of jellyfish. Many people have been injured, from the past two days. I am helping them by rubbing lemon when they are stung. I suggest, people should avoid visiting beach for now,” he said.
Locals said that the jellyfishes are seen every year on the beaches, but this time they can be spotted in large number.
You might think of urinating on the jellyfish sting, which reliefs pain only in movies and sitcom. As per the research conducted in 2007, American scientists have warned against it. Urinating on the wound can increase the pain. Some jellyfish stings are alkaline so it can be treated with vinegar.
In case you come in contact with a jellyfish sting:-
1. Clean the area with vinegar, to rinse away the tentacles which will deactivate the stinging cells.
2. Pluck off the visible tentacles.
3. Apply hot water on the wound.