In Halkidiki, the appearance of poisonous jellyfish extremely alarmed and upset both vacationers and tourists. Many users on social networks posted videos they filmed of the beaches on which they met tiger jellyfish.
Residents and tourists of Halkidiki are upset that in recent days, small brown jellyfish have flooded the local beaches, causing problems for bathers as their bite is painful and possibly toxic. Social media users named the beaches they are on met jellyfish: Potidea, Hanioti, Polychrono, etc.
According to local media reports, their appearance has nothing to do with water pollution, but mainly associated with intensive fishing, increased sea water temperature and some other environmental factors.
Are jellyfish dangerous?
Professor of marine biology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Chariton Charles Hintiroglu (καθηγητής Θαλάσσιας Βιολογίας του ΑΠΘ, Χαρίτων Σαρλ Χιντήρογλου) noted that the area of jellyfish in the area of frost, which are toxic
“Jellyfish are transported from region to region due to prevailing currents, since they do not have their own dynamics of movement. Small brown jellyfish are divided into two categories. Either it is πελάτζια νοκτιλούκα, which is poisonous, or chrysanthemum, which is also toxic,” the expert said. According to the professor, “these species of jellyfish periodically show population growth.”
“This is a phenomenon that we have been observing for half a century, and not something new. In recent years, every 4-5 years, there has been a more or less pronounced increase in the population of jellyfish, ”he said.
Small brown jellyfish are toxic, Mr. Hintiroglu said, meaning they release toxins (sting) to kill the zooplankton they feed on.
What to do if you get shot by a jellyfish?
Mr. Hintiroglu advises swimmers if there are too many jellyfish to avoid immersion in the water, as there is a greater likelihood of stinging.
In case, nevertheless, you are whipped by a jellyfish, you can use ammonia (wipe the place) and a little anesthetic gel (τζελ ανακούφισης) to relieve redness at the site of the “bite”.
Additionally, you can do the following:
Carefully remove any adhering jellyfish from the skin. But not with your bare hands! Because the poison can be transferred to them and cause irritation. Rinse the bite site with seawater. Never use fresh water. Apply a cold compress to relieve irritation. Apply a cortisone ointment to the bite.
If symptoms are severe and persist, check with your nearest pharmacy as you may need a cortisone injection.
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