76.7 F
Charlotte Amalie
Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesSWIMMERS BEWARE: IT'S WARTY JELLYFISH SEASON

SWIMMERS BEWARE: IT'S WARTY JELLYFISH SEASON

The highly toxic warty jellyfish (pelagia noctiluca) are often found in Virgin Islands waters in the summertime, and swimmers are warned to avoid contact with them.
A release from the Planning and Natural Resources Department Friday said the pinkish-colored jellyfish are 0.75 to 1.25 inches in diameter and have a shallow, dome-like shape.
A sting by one of the marine animals can cause localized pain, redness and welts. The release stated that anyone stung should not rub or touch the affected area, as such pressure will release more stinging cells beneath the skin's surface.
Anyone who has a severe reaction, such as pain all over the body or difficulty breathing, should seek medical attention immediately, the release said.
Planning and Natural Resources officials recommended that anyone swimming in areas where warty jellyfish have been sighted wear a wet suit or other protective body covering.
For more information, call the Fish and Wildlife Division at 775-6762.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Keeping our community informed is our top priority.
If you have a news tip to share, please call or text us at 340-228-8784.

Support local + independent journalism in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Unlike many news organizations, we haven't put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as accessible as we can. Our independent journalism costs time, money and hard work to keep you informed, but we do it because we believe that it matters. We know that informed communities are empowered ones. If you appreciate our reporting and want to help make our future more secure, please consider donating.