Purple Jellyfish: Surge in Greek Waters This Summer – What to Do If You Get Stung

In the summer of 2022, as was the case last year, a large outbreak of the purple jellyfish (Pelagia noctiluca) in Greek waters, it is important to know the proper first-aid guidelines for this specific species. As noted by the Hellenic Biodiversity Observatory, the population surge of purple jellyfish in the Aegean Sea began in October 2020 and is expected to to last for about two more years.

The purple jellyfish is considered one of the The most dangerous species of jellyfish in the Mediterranean. Her bite is painful because of the neurotoxin it contains. As reported by ERT, it can be identified by its its four main tentacles and its eight longer, thinner tentacles, along with a speckled «cap» and a purple interior, and it typically has a diameter of 6–10 centimeters. When young, it is orange-brown in color, and as it matures, it takes on this vivid purple-mauve hue.

Purple Jellyfish: Symptoms After Contact

Nematocysts cause erythema, swelling, a burning sensation, as well as, in some cases, severe necrotizing, cardiotoxic, and neurotoxic effects, which are particularly dangerous in susceptible individuals.

Specifically, the possible symptoms following a sting by Pelagia noctiluca are as follows:

• A burning sensation, often accompanied by severe redness of the skin, and in some cases, the jellyfish’s imprint appearing on a part of your skin
• Shipping
• Drop in pressure
• Tachycardia
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Bronchospasm
• Shortness of breath

In rare cases, the following may occur: hypotension, hoarseness, inspiratory wheezing, generalized angioedema—extensive urticarial rash, and disturbances in communication or consciousness. In such cases, the patient must be transported to the hospital IMMEDIATELY.

First Aid for a Pelagia noctiluca Sting

Various methods can be used to reduce the intensity and duration of pain, such as oral or topical pain relievers, warm water, and ice packs.

For stings from certain species of jellyfish (Carybdea marsupialis, Olindias phosphorica, and Physalia physalis), the use of vinegar is recommended which is applied for a short period of time to prevent the release of more poison under the skin, but not in this case. Vinegar, as well as fresh water, alcohol, and ammonia, DO NOT help with this particular type, but instead make the situation and the pain worse. This particular jellyfish is neutralized by a slightly alkaline solution (baking soda dissolved in an equal amount of seawater) rather than an acidic solution.

Here are the care steps in detail:

1. Rinse thoroughly with seawater, without rubbing the area around the sting.
2. If available, apply a mixture of seawater and baking soda (in a 1:1 ratio) for two minutes to stop any further release of toxin from any remaining tentacle fragments that may still be on the skin.
3. We use a plastic bank card or something similar (not our hands) to remove the baking soda mixture and any residue from our skin
4. Apply ice to the bite for 5–15 minutes. The ice—or even a cold soft drink—should be placed inside a bag or some other covering, such as a cloth or T-shirt.
5. Check to see if the pain has subsided, and if necessary, apply ice again for another 5–15 minutes.
6. If the pain persists, consult a doctor or pharmacist to have them prescribe pain relievers or anti-inflammatory creams (such as, for example, 3-4% lidocaine and hydrocortisone).
7. DO NOT wrap the bite site tightly with bandages; DO NOT use vinegar, NOR plain water, NOR alcohol, NOR ammonia.