Biological Hazard - Europe - Spain

Around 60 jellyfish have been removed from the Velez Malaga coast after authorities where alerted by a large number of them washing up on Almayate. Civil Protection cordoned off the area as a precautionary measure to prevent possible injury to anyone walking along the beach and continued to search the coast from Almayate to Valle-Niza more of these dangerous sea creatures. Tests are being carried out on the jellyfish but first indications are that they could be the Portuguese Man ‘o War, that takes is name from Portuguese battle ship of the 15th century and is one of the most dangerous breeds. Their sting can cause severe pain and, in some cases, respiratory or cardiac problems. Specialist stated their venom is similar to that of a python. All though the infestation has been controlled and beaches are once again open, Civil Protection reminds people not to touch jellyfish on the beaches if they where to reappear even if the creatures are dead as they can still deliver a painful sting and provoke an allergic shock, many people are allergic to these sea creatures but would not be aware of it if they hadn’t been stung before. If they must be touched, they should be wrapped in something such as a plastic bag.