By Prince Moore
The public is being urged to exercise caution when visiting coastal areas across the island, following reports of the Portuguese man o' war washing ashore in parts of Portland.
The National Environment and Planning Agency is urging beachgoers and individuals engaged in coastal activities to remain vigilant, as the animal can still sting even after it is dead.
NEPA says, though mistaken for jellyfish, the Portuguese man o' war is easily identified by its balloon-like float, which is typically blue, violet, or pink and rises up to six inches above the waterline.
The tentacles of the Portuguese man o' war are equipped with barbed tubes that deliver venom.
NEPA says the venom is powerful enough to paralyze and kill small fish and crustaceans.
While stings are rarely fatal to humans, they can cause intense pain, welts, and irritation that may last one to three hours.
NEPA is advising the public to avoid touching the Portuguese man o' war, and to wear protective footwear when walking along coastal areas.
If stung, persons are advised to rinse the affected area with seawater and remove tentacle remnants carefully without rubbing the area, as this can worsen the reaction, and to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
In the sea, swimmers should not approach the animal as the trailing stingers can be as much as 20 to 30 feet away from the float at the sea surface.
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