Recently, multiple Beijing tourists were stung by jellyfish while visiting Nandaihe. Doctors warn that when swimming in the sea, never attempt to catch or touch jellyfish floating in the water.
On August 2nd, Xiao Yu and his family visited Tianma Beach in Nandaihe, Funing County.While playing at the water's edge, Xiao Yu suddenly complained of leg pain. After seeking assistance from beach staff, they were informed the child had been stung by a jellyfish.
After applying alum powder, the staff advised them to seek medical attention. Xiao Yu's father, Mr. Wang, took a taxi to both Nandaihe Hospital and a military hospital, but neither could treat the injury. They finally arrived at Beidaihe People's Hospital.
By then, Xiaoyu's legs were covered in long, red bruises extending down from his thighs. He kept saying he was thirsty and wanted to drink water, and he felt nauseous. Mr. Wang said that after the hospital administered injections, IV fluids, blood draws, and lab tests, the chief physician examined Xiaoyu and remarked that the child's complexion looked wrong, requiring immediate resuscitation. After about an hour of resuscitation efforts, at 5:00 PM, the hospital announced that Xiaoyu had died despite their efforts.The hospital certificate indicated Xiaoyu died from acute pulmonary edema caused by jellyfish stings.
This was undoubtedly a tragedy. What began as a joyful family outing ended in death, serving as a stark reminder: Never capture or touch jellyfish floating in seawater.If stung by a jellyfish, avoid rinsing with fresh water, as it can stimulate the release of venom from the stinging cells. Instead, promptly remove any tentacles or venom adhering to the skin using a towel, clothing, or sand. The affected area can be washed with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) or alum. For extensive injuries or severe systemic reactions, seek immediate medical attention.
Below, we continue to share essential knowledge about jellyfish stings:
What are the symptoms of a sting?
After a jellyfish sting, the skin may become red, swollen, hot, and painful, with possible epidermal necrosis. Local symptoms include electric shock-like stinging, numbness, itching, and a burning sensation. Within 4 to 6 hours, linear erythema, papules, hives, blisters, and ecchymoses may appear.Systemic symptoms may include muscle aches, fatigue, chest tightness, shortness of breath, palpitations, rapid breathing, low-grade fever, thirst, and cold sweats. In rare cases, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, respiratory distress, restlessness, hypotension, or hemoptysis may occur. Without prompt treatment, death may result from pulmonary edema or anaphylactic shock.
What should you do in case of a jellyfish sting?
After a jellyfish sting, gently wipe the affected area with a clean towel or sand to remove the stinging cells. Avoid repeated wiping to prevent re-injury from dislodged cells. Subsequently, clean the wound with a mild alkaline solution like baking soda water. Following initial treatment, promptly transport the victim to the nearest hospital for anti-allergic medication.
Hospital Emergency Measures
1. Apply an alkaline solution or 1% ammonia solution locally and apply a cold compress to the affected area. Alternatively, use a cold compress with 1% sodium bicarbonate solution or alum water.
2. Administer oral antihistamines such as Diphenhydramine 25mg per dose, Chlorpheniramine 4mg per dose, or Diphenhydramine 25mg per dose.
3. Administer intravenous drip of 10ml 1% calcium gluconate solution or 5–10mg dexamethasone.
4. For hypotension, administer intramuscular injection of 0.5–1ml epinephrine.
5. For breathing difficulties: Position the patient in a semi-sitting position, clear foreign objects from the mouth and nose, and administer oxygen.
Prevention Measures
1. Workers at sea must wear protective gear and avoid direct contact with jellyfish.
2. Swimming or playing in water outside designated bathing areas is prohibited. Nighttime activities are especially dangerous.
3. When encountering jellyfish while swimming, on boats, or ashore, never touch, scoop, or play with them using hands or limbs.
Important: Do not rinse jellyfish stings with fresh water.
Medical staff at Beidaihe People's Hospital's Jellyfish Sting Clinic advise:If stung by a jellyfish, do not rinse with fresh water, as it may cause the nematocysts to release venom. Immediately wipe off any tentacles or venom adhering to the skin using a towel, clothing, or sand. The affected area may be cleaned with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) or alum. For extensive injuries or severe systemic reactions, seek immediate medical attention.