The death of a 32-year-old Argentinean triathlete created a minor media storm in New York City recently when newspapers reported that dozens of the athletes had been stung by jellyfish during the swimming portion of the New York City Triathlon. The participant died after being pulled unconscious from the Hudson River causing speculation that a jellyfish was the culprit. The initial autopsy was inconclusive.
In fact, deaths caused by jellyfish stings in the U.S. are rare, but they do happen occasionally. And it appears that human contact with the gelatinous floating animals may be on the rise, so pack some caution with you during your summer beach trips.
Paul Sieswerda, curator of the New York Aquarium, confirmed a jump in jellyfish around New York City this year. And researchers are looking into similar recent increases in jellyfish around the world, including those on the West Coast of the U.S., and in the Bering Sea near Alaska. Scientists are also exploring possible links between jellyfish populations and potential human factors, such as over fishing, global warming, and fertilizer run-off.
There are many species of jellyfish, some of which cause no harm to humans. Common species of stinging jellyfish in the U.S. include, Sea Nettle, Lion’s Mane (the reported species in the triathlon stingings), and the Portuguese Man-of-War, which is technically not a jellyfish, but a colony of multiple organisms that resemble a jellyfish.
The deadly Box Jellyfish, sometimes called Sea Wasp, is primarily found in Pacific waters near northern Australia and the Philippines. If you get stung in these waters, seek emergency medical help immediately. It can kill within minutes and may require anti-venom medicine.
Likewise, the Lion’s Mane, common in parts of the U.S., requires immediate medical treatment according to the National Institutes of Health. Sieswerda says they usually only grow large enough to pose a serious threat to human health in very cold waters where humans rarely encounter them. But to exercise the greatest caution find out what kind of jellies are common in your area, and seek out a lifeguard, call 911 or the National Capital Poison Center at 800-222-1222, if you are stung.
The primary symptoms of jellyfish stings may include (from most to least common) local pain, prickly tingling sensations, nausea, headache, chills, and cardiovascular failure. Even stings from jellyfish that aren’t deadly may occasionally cause a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which can be life threatening. If you experience symptoms such as, abdominal pain or cramping, abnormal (high-pitched) breathing sounds or wheezing, diarrhea, fainting, dizziness, hives, nasal congestion, heart palpitations or slurred speech, after a jellyfish sting, seek emergency medical attention.
If you know you’ve been stung by a Sea Nettle or Portuguese Man-of-War, home care may suffice. The NIH recommends cleaning the affected area with salt water—fresh water may cause the tentacles to release more venom. Then remove any tentacles that may still be attached, but don’t use your hands or you might get stung. Instead, apply shaving cream, or a paste made of flour and water, to the affected area and scrape with a credit card (or other blunt-sided object) to dislodge the tentacle. You can also soak in a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water for about 30 minutes to help loosen the tentacle and disarm its sting. Once removed, a topical cream containing a painkiller, antihistamine, or corticosteroid may soothe the pain.
Folk remedies for jellyfish stings persist, the most famous cure being urine. Don’t do it. There’s no scientific evidence it will help, and it might cause more pain.
A wetsuit, or other swim apparel can help prevent stings, and a waterproof sunscreen that contains an added jellyfish inhibitor may also help reduce stings from some jellyfish. Also avoid dead jellyfish washed up on the beach, says Sieswerda, since their tentacles may still be able to sting. For more on summer safety, see our May report, "Tips for summer fun out in the sun and by the pool." And to be sure that you don't take the ocean for granted, follow these riptide tips.
—Kevin McCarthy, associate editor
Read more on warm-weather safety in our Guide to Summer Health & Safety.
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