A ten-year-old girl died after she was stung by a jellyfish while swimming at a beach in Barangay Poblacion, Araceli, Palawan on Palm Sunday, March 24, a report from Araceli Rural Health Unit said.
Araceli RHU reported that the girl was swimming at a beach when she brushed against a jellyfish.
Medical responders tried, but failed, to save the girl who was later declared dead.
The incident report from the RHU concluded that the girl died from Anaphylaxis or severe allergic reactions due to the jellyfish toxin.
However, the species of jellyfish involved was not identified in the report.
A fisheries specialist, preferring anonymity, suggested that the creature the girl encountered might be a species of Box Jellyfish identified as Chironex fleckeri, commonly referred to as the sea wasp.
This particular jellyfish, noted the expert, is notorious for its highly toxic venom, making it one of the deadliest jellyfish species and is mostly found in the Asia Pacific region.
With tentacles reaching lengths of up to three meters, adorned with venom-loaded darts called nematocysts, their stings inflict excruciating pain and leave lash-like marks on the skin.
These tentacles often adhere to the victim and can be detached using vinegar. The venom can induce paralysis, cardiac arrest, and even death within minutes of contact.
With the Holy Week observance, an uptick in beachgoers is anticipated. Araceli RHU emphasizes the importance of remaining vigilant, particularly concerning the safety of children, while at the beach.
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