Clinging Jellyfish Found In Point Judith
Pond
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
(DEM) and the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) are advising the public
that clinging jellyfish, a species that can have a powerful sting for those who
are sensitive to it, have been found in Point Judith Pond in Narragansett.
Over the past 10 days, three people contacted RIDOH who
reported experiencing stinging sensations and painful welts after shellfishing
and recreating in Point Judith Pond. RIDOH reached out to DEM for assistance,
and DEM marine biologists surveying Point Judith Pond confirmed the presence of
the clinging jellyfish (currently identified as Gonionemus vertens).
Adult clinging jellyfish are about the size of a dime and
marked with an orange-brown cross on their transparent bodies.
These small
jellies have sticky pads on their tentacles that allow them to cling to
seagrasses and seaweeds.
The clinging jellyfish is not known to inhabit ocean
beaches or other sandy areas but tends to attach itself to submerged aquatic
vegetation and algae in back bays, coastal ponds, and estuaries, areas not
heavily used for swimming.
Their sting is known to be extremely painful and can
result in in hospitalization in some individuals.
Anyone wading through these areas, especially near
aquatic vegetation, should take precautions, such as wearing boots or waders to
protect themselves.
Originally thought to be native to the Pacific Ocean,
clinging jellyfish are prevalent in the northeast, particularly from
Connecticut to Maine and in the waters surrounding Cape Cod. They also have been
found on Long Island and in northern New Jersey.
DEM and RIDOH have received
reports from the public that clinging jellyfish may be present in Potters Pond
in South Kingstown and the Narrow River in Narragansett. DEM marine biologists
surveyed Potters Pond in early July and did not observe the jellies at that
time.
People can react differently to a sting from a clinging
jellyfish. Symptoms range from no discomfort to severe pain, redness at the
sting site, and respiratory and/or neurological problems.
Symptoms typically
last about three to five days. RIDOH advises that if you are stung by a
clinging jellyfish:
• Put white vinegar on the sting site to stop any
remaining stinging cells.
• Remove any remaining tentacles with fine tweezers.
Be sure to wear gloves to prevent additional stings to your hands.
• Soak the
skin in hot water (110° - 113°F) or take a hot shower for 20-45 minutes.
• If
symptoms do not go away or pain gets worse, seek medical attention.
For more information on clinging jellyfish, please refer
to the attached factsheet published by the Woods Hole Oceanographic
Institution.
Follow DEM on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) or Facebook at
www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM for timely updates.
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