The Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) on Tuesday issued an alert after poisonous Atlantic Portuguese man o' war (Physalia physalis) were detected in several areas along the country's Caribbean Coast.

Specialists found specimens primarily on beaches near Cahuita National Park and in the northern Caribbean region.

The Portuguese man o' war is recognized by its gas-filled floating bladder, which appears in shades of blue, violet or pink, and by its long, highly venomous tentacles that trail beneath the water's surface.

Although commonly mistaken for a jellyfish, the Portuguese man o' war is a marine siphonophore that feeds on small fish, plankton and other marine organisms. It uses its venomous tentacles to paralyze prey before drawing it toward its digestive polyps.

Authorities are urging residents and visitors to stay out of the water if they spot the organisms floating nearby and to avoid touching them on the beach. Their venom poses a serious risk to both people and animals.

Experts explained that the venom-filled stinging cells, known as nematocysts, can paralyze small fish and other prey. Detached tentacles and dead specimens that wash ashore remain capable of delivering painful stings and can retain their venom for hours or even days after the organism dies or the tentacles separate.

A sting typically causes intense pain and leaves red, whip-like welts on the skin that usually remain visible for two to three days. While the pain generally subsides within one to three hours, the reaction varies depending on the individual.

The venom can also spread through the lymphatic system and trigger symptoms similar to a severe allergic reaction, including swelling of the larynx, airway obstruction, cardiac distress and difficulty breathing.

Specialists said additional symptoms may include fever and shock. Although uncommon, severe envenomation can be fatal in rare cases.

Medical attention is recommended for anyone exposed to multiple tentacles, experiencing severe pain lasting more than three hours or having difficulty breathing. Health experts also warned that stings encircling a child's torso are among the situations with the greatest potential to become life-threatening.

Costa Rican authorities said they will continue monitoring the movement of the organisms through Caribbean waters and will keep the public informed until the threat has passed and the alert can be lifted.

MINAE is the government agency responsible for environmental protection policy, natural resource management and the sustainable use of renewable energy in Costa Rica.

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Have you heard of any expats who have been stung by the Atlantic Portuguese man o' war in Costa Rica? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com

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