Need to follow necessary steps for protection: MoH

A photo of jellyfish

KUWAIT CITY, July 3: Official spokesperson of Ministry of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Shatti affirmed that the spread of jellyfish does not pose any risk to the health of beachgoers as long as they follow the necessary steps for protection and precautionary measures in this regard, reports Al-Anba daily. In a press statement, Dr Al- Shatti said this marine creature which recently invaded the Kuwait territorial waters does not inflict serious harm the way it is being reported such as poisoning or electrocution. He revealed that the ministry has not recorded any case of severe injury caused by the sting of a jellyfish.Dr Al-Shatti explained that the sting of jellyfish usually causes redness on the skin. Such stings are nonpoisonous and can be dealt with just like burns caused by exposure to intense sunlight. In case of encountering a sting from a jellyfish, the stung part of the skin should be washed with seawater and not fresh water.It is advisable not to panic or to forcefully move any part of jellyfish that remains on the skin or rub it with sand because doing so increases the effect of the sting. It is also advisable to apply some vinegar or fresh lemon juice, and ointment for burns on the affected area of the skin.In case of multiple stings which could possibly lead to hypersensitive reaction, the affected person should take anti-histamine tablets. In some cases, the symptoms of a jellyfish sting exceed redness of the skin, pain and itchiness after several hours of the sting.It could result in high fever, breathing difficulties, heart problems, muscle pain and exhaustion, which could escalate to loss of consciousness. In such cases, it is necessary to immediately take the victim to the nearest hospital.Multiple jellyfish stings on the skin or sting in the eye are considered to be first-degree burns that necessitate medical care of the victim at the hospital.