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Have you ever been stung by a jellyfish in the Philippines? Reddit user no-sleep19 has, and let’s just say it wasn’t the best experience for her (2023).
In a post on r/jellyfish subreddit, she recalls enjoying a swim when a sudden painful prick struck her leg.
She thought she hit a sharp seaweed or sea urchin, but it continuously throbbed, leading to great discomfort.
The numbing, burning sensation ran from her knees down to both legs. She screamed from the excruciating pain, hurriedly swimming back to shore where she was assisted by the locals.
Noticeable white lumps were found on her legs, with tendrils sticking out. The locals used a remedy of hot water and vinegar to remove them and ease the pain.
The pain subsided, but blisters emerged a few hours later. She did not mind it much, until her feet began swelling the next day, making it almost impossible for her to walk.
She was taken to the hospital, where she was given IV treatment, anti-allergy medicine, and pain relievers. After a day of rest, the swelling subsided, but she continued to take medications to fully heal.
In a comment under her post, she confirmed she was stung by a box jellyfish, one of the deadliest sea creatures in the world because of its potent and lethal venom.
It’s a common type of jellyfish in the Philippines, and while not always dangerous, it has caused several deaths among travelers and locals.
This Redditor is one of the lucky ones who was able to survive such a horrific ordeal. Although her scars have healed, it has clearly become a core memory that she will look back on in horror.
You or anyone you know would not want to have the same experience, so here are the things you should know about this potentially dangerous sea creature and other types of jellyfish in the Philippines.
Photo by Joel Filipe on Unsplash
Jellyfish season usually starts at the end of the habagat in April or May. You will likely encounter some when you go diving and snorkeling in the Philippines, but do know they’re not only found in deeper areas.
Some jellyfish can reach shallow waters and even wash up on shore. They’re pretty hard to find in the water, so you should take extra precautions.
Jellyfish stings cause itchiness and rashes, and on a few rare occasions, you may need to receive immediate hospital care.
As a result, beach activities can be put to a halt for the safety of guests.
For example, beach activities at Moalboal were temporarily suspended in 2024 after several tourists found box jellyfish floating around Panagsama Beach.
The town is a hotspot for snorkeling and island hopping in Cebu because of its rich marine resources and crystal clear waters. It has also garnered international recognition because of its famous sardine run.
A few days later, the local government unit and the Philippine coast guard reinstated activities in Moalboal, but encouraged swimmers to wear rashguards to protect their skin.
Other prominent areas with jellyfish in the Philippines include Santa Fe, a busy tourist attraction near Bantayan Island. Several activities in the area were previously suspended as well after a tourist from Bohol was stung by a box jellyfish.
As mentioned, not all jellyfish stings are lethal, but how will you be able to tell?
COMMON TYPES OF JELLYFISH IN THE PHILIPPINES
- Moon Jelly
Moon Jellyfish (also known as Moon Jellies) are among the most common types of jellyfish in the Philippines, according to an article on GMA News (2014). They are famous for their translucent and moonlike forms.
Considered weak swimmers, they usually get washed up on shore after a strong tide. Some animals like birds and turtles rely on moon jellyfish for nutrition.
Unfortunately, plastic bags that wash up on shore are sometimes mistaken for moon jellyfish, with thousands of birds and turtles dying each year after consuming massive amounts of plastic.
A moon jellyfish sting has little effect on human skin, with only mild discomfort and rashes that last for a few hours. You can relieve the stings by soaking the affected area with hot water and covering it with a cold compress.
The same cannot be said about other forms of jellyfish in the Philippines, especially those that can cause death.
- Box Jellyfish
Photo by Elisha Terada on Unsplash
Despite its name, box jellyfish are not fish. They are considered cnidarians, which is what corals are. They have stingers shaped like spears that they use for hunting prey.
The box jellyfish actively swims and looks for food (usually small fish or shrimp), unlike a regular jellyfish that simply floats along the water.
They have a box-like shape (hence the name) and are translucent, similar to the moon jelly. Their long tentacles produce a potent venom, which some say can get you killed when stung in the chest or face.
Healthline (2022) states that the sting only becomes deadly when 10 percent of a person’s skin is affected by the venom. This can lead to cardiac arrest within a few minutes.
Symptoms of a box jellyfish sting include a burning sensation and red skin wounds. If not treated right away, it can lead to loss of consciousness, back and abdominal pain, high blood pressure, and an elevated heart rate.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURE
If you or someone you are traveling with gets stung by a jellyfish, immediately get out of the water and apply vinegar to the affected area. Vinegar is a weak acid that can ease the pain from the cells stuck on your skin.
Healthline reiterates that fresh water, alcohol, and ice packs should be avoided as they can release more toxins.
Remove tendrils or tentacles stuck on the skin using a tweezer. An alternative is using a credit card, but you have to be careful not to release more toxins when you apply pressure.
If you think you were stung by a box jellyfish, call emergency responders and monitor pulse and breathing patterns. If the person is displaying any signs of cardiac arrest, immediately administer CPR.
Responders will continue resuscitation using other equipment. At the hospital, the doctors will administer an antivenom to prevent the toxins from spreading to other parts of the body.
It is advised that you get an antivenom injection no later than 24 hours after the sting. You will then be prescribed several anti-allergy medications and pain relievers to heal the remaining pain and itchiness.
As seen from the abovementioned Reddit post, it is definitely not fun getting stung by a jellyfish in the Philippines. It’s extremely uncomfortable and can lead to overwhelming anxiety, knowing a deadly sea creature is found in the country’s waters.
Avoid areas with confirmed box jellyfish sightings and make sure to check for signage, ask the locals, or stay updated with the news. Wear protective gear like bodysuits, rash guards, and even water shoes to protect your skin while in the water.
On the rare, unfortunate occasion that it does happen, bring important first aid items to treat yourself or the people with you. Knowing the treatment and precautions for jellyfish stings will ensure your safety when swimming in Philippine waters.
With most tourists visiting the Philippines for its beaches, one must know not only the fun things to do, but also its dangers. A single jellyfish sting can completely hinder your experience while you’re swimming, freediving, or snorkeling.
You can make the most of your time in the country, but always be prepared for anything. Jellyfish in the Philippines can be lethal, so take note of the procedures to keep you and everyone around you safe.
REFERENCES:
No-sleep19. 2023. “Stung by a Jellyfish in the Philippines.” r/jellyfish Reddit Forum.
https://www.reddit.com/r/jellyfish/comments/13dgsrx/stung_by_a_jellyfish_in_the_philippines/
Luces, Kim. 2014. “Jellyfish 101: What to expect in the PHL this summer.” GMA News Online.
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/scitech/science/356547/jellyfish-101-what-to-expect-in-the-phl-this-summer/story/
Silver, Natalie (Medically reviewed by Darragh O’Carroll, MD). 2022. “Venomous Box Jellyfish Sting: What to Know and How to Treat.” Healthline.
https://www.healthline.com/health/box-jellyfish-sting
