Jellyfish are very ancient creatures, they have lived on Earth for over 650 million years. These amazing animals appeared before dinosaurs and sharks. Some types of jellyfish can also live in fresh water. Usually, besides the fact that these creatures sting painfully, people do not know anything about them.
On the edges of the jellyfish's body are tentacles with cells that contain capsules of poison that causes burns. Tiny "harpoons" paralyze small prey. Jellyfish watch over fish and other inhabitants of the seas, people also often become victims of the toxin. But not all of these animals are poisonous. "Burning" jellyfish predominate in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of the United States.
Most of the animals are active in summer and autumn. Even a jellyfish that has recently been washed ashore is dangerous as long as its tentacles are wet.
There are several species of jellyfish that are capable of killing humans with their venom, such as the sea wasp that lives in the coastal waters of Australia. Every year this animal collects its dark "harvest" - about 60 people die from its touch. Its toxin is more dangerous than cobra venom.
If you are stung by an ordinary stinging jellyfish, you need to remove it from yourself with something and rinse the wounded surface with sea water. It is advisable to wipe the affected area with food vinegar, this will neutralize the effect of the sting that remains under the skin, it will no longer be able to secrete poison. Then you need to lubricate the damaged area with shaving cream, when the product dries up, the "harpoons" of the jellyfish will remain in it. Scrape off the cream. After these actions, the pain should subside in an hour. If this does not happen, see your doctor.
In addition to pain in the "stung" areas, a healthy person is not in danger. Worse if an allergic reaction develops. Anaphylactic shock may occur, and this is already very dangerous, it will be impossible to do without medical assistance. To avoid unpleasant encounters with poisonous jellyfish, carefully look around. Ask locals or “old” vacationers about safe swimming spots.
Scientists are researching stinging jellyfish, looking for an antidote to the deadly touch of a sea wasp. But at the moment there is no such medicine, therefore, while on vacation, be extremely careful.
