Warning issued after dangerous jellyfish spotted at Irish beaches

People are urged to be careful.

In the current spell of very hot weather, the dangerous Lion's Mane jellyfish has been spotted at several Irish beaches, including ones in Galway. A warning has been issued by Irish Water Safety who say that a sting from the Lion's Mane can be extremely painful and in some cases, can cause anaphylactic shock. Speaking to JOE, a spokesperson for Irish Water Safety said: "These potentially dangerous jellyfish are likely to appear on more of our beaches in the coming weeks.

"The sting from these jellyfish can cause anaphylactic shock and we have had a number of people hospitalised as a result of a sting from these venomous jellyfish.

"Members of the public should report the sightings of these jellyfish to the relevant local Authority Water Safety Development Officer."

The HSE have said a sting from a Lion’s Mane jellyfish can cause nausea, sweating, cramps, headaches among other symptoms. Warm tropical waters are the most likely place to find jellyfish but there are several known to frequent Irish waters, some of which have quite painful stings. The Lion's Mane gets its name from its long tentacles and their orange-brown colour and is the largest jellyfish to be found in Irish waters. Irish Water Safety give the following information on how to treat a jellyfish sting:

1. Ensure you don't get stung yourself when aiding others
2. Remove any attached tentacles with a gloved hand, stick, or towel (none of these available use your fingertips)
3. Do not rub the affected area (this may result in further venom release)
4. Rinse the affected area copiously with sea-water  (do not use fresh water, vinegar, alcohol or urine)
5. Apply a ‘dry cold pack’ to the area (i.e. place a cold pack or ice inside a plastic bag and then wrap this package in a t-shirt or other piece of cloth)
6. Use HOT WATER for Portuguese Man o' War stings at approximately 45 degrees for 20 minutes
7. Seek medical attention if there is anything other than minor discomfort. If the patient is suffering from swelling, breathing difficulties, palpitation or chest tightness then transfer to the nearest emergency department urgently