Groups of blue bottle jellyfish or the Portuguese man of war were being spotted on Mumbai beaches, creating panic among the locals. Many people were stung by this venomous creature.
These fishes generally come out every year during the mid-monsoons for reproduction but this time their numbers seem to be a lot more. Experts believe that this is due to the rising sea temperatures which are forcing these creatures to come out in such large numbers.
Blue bottle jellyfish have tentacles which are long and venomous. Their sting usually causes itching and might leave the person in extreme pain for hours.
While the sting is harmful, it is only fatal for other fish, not humans.
Blue bottle jellyfish stings might leave rashes on the human skin which might last for 2-3 days. It usually doesn’t require any medical attention but one must see a doctor if the pain and the rash stays for a longer period of time.
Usually people are advised to wash the affected skin immediately with salt water. Cleaning the area with a pinch of Epsom salt and hot water also helps prevent the spread of the venom.
The blue bottle jellyfish were spotted at the Girgaum Chowpatty, Aksa and Juhu beaches in Mumbai. Earlier in August, a private lifeguard agency at Baga beach in Goa had also spotted the creatures and alerted the state Tourism Department. They had issued an advisory asking people not to venture into the sea.
This jelly-like marine organism is also known as ‘Floating Terror’.
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