Tourists
are being warned to exercise caution as they frolic along Mexican
beaches this winter because of dangerous marine life.
But
its not who you think it is.
You can skip humming
the foreboding and eerie Jaws music. Its not sharks. Its something much
smaller that still delivers quite a bit of pain.
Its the Portuguese Man o War, a jellyfish-like
marine animal that can deliver a painful reaction if stung. There is good news,
however. The Portuguese Man o War tends to be nomadic and doesnt stay in one
place for very long.
Even the
warm winter waters of the Caribbean.
Experts say
to be vigilant in Cozumel,
including Playa Paraiso, Punta Maroma, Playa Del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Xpu
Ha, Grand Sirenis, and Akumal. The Portuguese Man o War are
generally not aggressive, but even bumping into one in the water can cause an
extraordinary, painful sting. Being stung by one can even sometimes cause
death.?
Most
people, however, are left with a giant red mark and a burning sensation from
the sting. That doesn't make an encounter with one any easier. For others, it can cause severe bouts of nausea, chest
pain, and difficulty breathing.
The bad
news is that the Portuguese Man o War can still sting even
after their apparent death washing up on shore. Using vinegar on the affected
area is usually the best result. In case of nausea or shortness of breath, a
trip to the emergency room to get antibiotics for the venom is not out of the
question.
After
all, they are not called the Portuguese Man o War for nothing.
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