Filenews 1 April 2024
Especially in the area of Pervolia in Larnaka, the phenomenon of jellyfish this year seems to be more intense. Jellyfish have appeared in other areas, but even where they did not appear, there is a fear that they may be in the water and simply have not yet been seen.
As long as the weather conditions were somewhat prohibitive for swimming, the issue did not concern the residents of the area but also those who own holiday homes. However, now that the weather has opened, the presence of jellyfish does not let sea lovers enter it for fear of stings.
Recently, the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research (DFMR), in order to protect bathers, announced that jellyfish of the species Rhopilema nomadica have been observed on the south and southeast coasts of Cyprus, especially between the areas of Larnaka and Vasilikos.
Residents of the area told philenews that the diameter of the jellyfish reaches up to one meter.
Although the presence and increase of the jellyfish population is considered a temporary phenomenon, it has been plaguing bathers for quite some time.
These jellyfish can sting humans causing painful pain.
In case of skin contact, the Department of Fisheries recommends:
-Immobilization of the affected part of the body to prevent further spread of tentacles.
-Removing tentacles or any tentacle remnants using a plastic card, a piece of wood or tweezers. It is not recommended to remove with bare hands, as this will lead to sticking of the tentacles to the hands and transfer of irritation to them.
-Rinse with salt water or vinegar, but without touching/rubbing the affected area. Do not use fresh water.
-Avoid improvised treatments such as rinsing the area with fresh water or alcohol, applying pressure or covering the wound with bandages, using creams or antihistamines without medical advice.
-If pain persists, medical advice is recommended.
-Allergy sufferers are advised to contact a doctor or go to a hospital.
