Sea Creatures Bites and Stings
This page will help you prepare and properly respond to marine stings and bites.
When do marine stings and bites occur?
Marine stings and bites occur due to exposure to stings, bites, or venom from sea creatures near beaches and rivers, such as jellyfish stings and some fish like the stonefish.
- NHS BETTERHEALTH
- Most Common Marine Animals That Cause Stings and Bites:
- Jellyfish.
- Sea urchins.
- Stingrays or spotted rays.
- Tarakon fish are considered a dangerous type.
The Irukandji jellyfish is considered a dangerous type.
Stonefish.
- What are the symptoms of marine stings and bites?
- Common symptoms include:
- Severe pain at the site of the sting.
- Rash.
Irritation.
- Circular bruises.
- In case of a sting or bite from some of the more dangerous types, such as the Irukandji jellyfish, symptoms include:
- Severe back pain.
- Headache.
- Muscle pain in the chest and abdomen.
Nausea.
Vomiting.
- Difficulty breathing.
- How to handle marine stings and bites?
- Seek help from lifeguards on the beaches, or call the emergency number in your country.
- Rinse the affected area with seawater and avoid using fresh water.
- Remove the stinging animal’s spines from the skin using tweezers or the edge of a card, avoiding direct hand contact.
- Soak the area in very hot water for at least 30 minutes, using warm towels if hot water is not available.
- Do not apply cold compresses or ice to the injury.
- Avoid covering the wound or injury.
- Avoid washing the area with alcohol.
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- You can take painkillers.
- Visit the health unit if:
- The pain is severe.
- The injury is to your face or genitalia.
- You have been stung by a stingray or spotted ray.
- Contact emergency services immediately if you have been stung by marine animals and suffer from:
- Difficulty breathing..
- Chest pain.
- Convulsions.
- Severe swelling around the area.
- Severebleeding.
Vomiting.
If someone loses consciousness, start CPR immediately.
Ambulance Numbers in the Gulf Countries:
– Oman: 9999.
– Saudi Arabia: 997.
– Kuwait: 112.
– Qatar: 999.
– UAE: 998.
