WARNING
Xavier Pastor, the director of the Oceana Institute for Europe has issued a warning that one of the most dangerous jellyfish in the world is now floating around in the Mediterranean. A troop of about fifty of them were discovered in the sea off Los Alcazares in Murcia, and it appears that currents are set to bring more to the coasts of Spain. The species concerned is the Physalia Physalis - better known as the Portuguese Man O’War, whose sting can be fatal for both the children and the elderly, whilst between 30 and 50% ofd those stung by the jellyfish require hospitalization, and it appears that the only way to effectively rid the beach areas of Spain of this danger is to have the jellyfish manually collected. Equally, the jellyfish are still lethal, which could lead to some beaches being closed until the danger is removed. Stings usually cause severe pain and leave whip-like red welts on the skin that normally last for about two or three days. In many cases the sting causes an allergic reaction, with other serious side effects including shock, fever, and interference with the action of the heart and lungs. First aid for those stung should first of all ensure that any remnants of the creature should be removed from the skin using gloves; salt water should be applied to the affected area (fresh water tends to make the sting worse and the use of vinegar does not generally have the desired effect), and this should be followed by an application of hot water that generally eases the pain of the sting, and a doctor should be seen as soon as possible
