KOTA BARU: Six cases of poisonous stings by the Physaia physalis jellyfish among children aged between one to 11 years old were detected in Kelantan on Friday (March 1).
Kelantan Health director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin (pic) said the stings of the jellyfish, commonly known as the Portuguese man o' war, were detected in Bachok with two cases in Pantai Melawi while four other cases were recorded in Pantai Baru here.
He said all the victims received initial treatment at the Bachok Health Clinic and were referred for further treatment to the Emergency and Trauma Department of Tengku Anis Hospital, Pasir Puteh, and the Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital in Kubang Kerian.
According to him, victims who are stung will experience symptoms of pain, swelling and itching at the site of the sting.
"All the victims, however, have been allowed to go home after a medical examination found that their condition was stable," he said in a statement Sunday (March 3).
He said there is no anti-venom for the stings of this species of jellyfish and the treatment provided is to relieve symptoms including painkillers.
Therefore, the Kelantan Health Department advises the public to be aware of the appearance of jellyfish in the state's waters.
"Beach visitors in this state are advised not to swim in areas where the presence of jellyfish has been confirmed and not to touch and stay away from the creature until the situation is safe and an official notification is issued by the concerned party.
"If stung by the jellyfish, the public should immediately seek treatment at the nearest health facility as soon as possible," he said.
It is understood that this species of jellyfish has been detected in waters off Pahang and Terengganu and a sting can lead to death. - Bernama
