Precautionary measures should be taken over the weekend for South Padre Island beach goers.
The Cameron County Emergency Management (CCEM) is advising people to watch out for the potentially, poisonous jelly-fish like Portuguese Men of War.
These creatures are identified by their translucent pink and purple gas-filled , bubble-like bladder and by their long venomous tentacles.
Recently they have been spotted along Boca Chica Beach, Isla Blanca Park, Andy Bowie Park, Beach Access 5 and Beach Access 6.
Officials are advising to avoid contact with the jelly-fish because even if they are found dead, the pain from the stinging tentacle will subside for after an hour.
“We’re asking beachgoers to simply not touch the jellyfish-like, marine creature,” CCEM Coordinator Humberto Barrera said. “The venomous tentacles can deliver a painful sting.”
Red welts on the skin will appear after a sting and will last for two to three days.
Allergic reactions are possible and although the sting may also cause death, it is extremely rare.
The CCEM said if you are stung by a Portuguese Men of War, you should:
• avoid any further contact with the Portuguese Man of War and to carefully remove any remnants of the
organism from the skin (taking care not to touch them directly with fingers or any other part of the skin to
avoid secondary stinging); then
• apply salt water to the affected area (not fresh water, which tends to make the affected area worse; not
vinegar since it only works on jellyfish but not on siphonophores like the Portuguese Man-of-War)
• follow up with the application of hot water to the affected area from anywhere between 15-20 minutes,
which eases the pain of a sting.
• if necessary, seek medical attention, especially for allergic
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