You will not find these at Graydon
Posted: Jul 02, 2015 10:42 PM EDTUpdated: Jul 03, 2015 8:40 AM EDT
By SHARON CROWLEY, Fox 5 News Reporter
MYFOXNY.COM –
More Portuguese man o’ wars have turned up on New Jersey’s beaches. Dozens of the potentially dangerous jellyfish-like creatures have washed up on several Jersey Shore beaches in recent weeks. The first sighting was in Harvey Cedars on Long Beach Island.
Jersey shore vacationers are keeping a watchful eye out while swimming in the ocean this summer. Some have said they are worried because of the man-of-wars.
A man o’ war can pack a highly toxic and painful sting that in some rare cases can be life-threatening. It has tentacles that can grow as long as 30 feet.
Jenkinson’s Aquarium marine biologist Trystin Figell says the Portuguese man o’ war is not typically found in this area. He says they have a gas-filled swim bladder, so they rely on the wind and currents. So they likely arrived along New Jersey’s coastline with the Gulf Stream. They are usually found in warmer waters, like off Florida’s coast.
Dr. Robert Glatter, of Lenox Hill’s emergency room, says if you get stung don’t remove the stinger with your hand use another object and put warm water on the area.
Most reactions while painful are not deadly. Those susceptible to severe allergic reactions are at higher health risk if stung. Dr. Glatter says that if you have trouble breathing, feel like you may pass out, your throat starts to close, or your tongue swells then you need to seek immediate medical help.
https://www.myfoxny.com/story/29467280/portuguese-man-of-wars-jersey-shore
