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Specialists issue alerts of poisonous Atlantic Portuguese man o' war in Caribbean |
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 A.M. Costa Rica staff The Center for Research in Marine Sciences and Limnology at the University of Costa Rica has alerted tourists and residents who live or travel along the coast of the Caribbean about the presence of the poisonous jellyfish known as the Atlantic Portuguese man o' war. "We alert all the people in the Caribbean coast, about the report of the presence of Atlantic Portuguese man o' war (Physalia physalis). Avoid entering the water if they see them floating and avoid contact with them on the beaches since they have toxins that they are harmful to humans and animals, " said the center. According to Oceana.org the stinging, venom-filled nematocysts in the tentacles of the Portuguese man o' war can paralyze small fish and other prey. Detached tentacles and dead specimens (including those that wash up on shore) can sting just as painfully as the live organism in the water and may remain potent for hours or even days after the death of the organism or the detachment of the tentacle, the website said, adding: "Stings usually cause severe pain to humans, leaving whip-like, red welts on the skin that normally last two or three days after the initial sting, although the pain should subside after about 1 to 3 hours (depending on the biology of the person stung). However, the venom can travel to the lymph nodes and may cause symptoms that mimic an allergic reaction including swelling of the larynx, airway blockage, cardiac distress, and an inability to breathe (although this is not due to a true allergy )" According to the specialist, other symptoms can include fever and shock, and in some extreme cases, even death, although this is rare. Medical attention for those exposed to large numbers of tentacles may become necessary to relieve pain or open airways if the pain becomes excruciating or lasts for more than three hours, or breathing becomes difficult. Instances where the stings completely surround the trunk of a child are among those that have the potential to be fatal. |
 Mariela Alvarado courtesy photo Photo of Poisonous Atlantic Portuguese man o'war found in Chiquita Cocles Beach. The Portuguese man o' war is a carnivore using its venomous tentacles to paralyzes its prey while reeling it inwards to the digestive polyps. It typically feeds on small marine organisms, such as fish and plankton. The specialists in Costa Rica will keep the residents informed until the transit of these organisms through the Caribbean seas has ended and the alert could be called off. More information on this dangerous organism can be reached at Oceana.org. ---- Should the Government develop a national campaign on this alert to inform tourists? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to: news@amcostarica.com |
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