CYPRUS: Jellyfish sting warning at Larnaca beaches

Jellyfish have made their appearance on the Larnaca coast with several stinging incidents reported by bathers at the Castella and Mackenzie beaches, but they should soon disappear.

In a statement Larnaca Municipality said “officials carried out an on-the-spot check at the Castella and Mackenzie beaches, where a small number of jellyfish sting incidents were recorded. The public is advised to follow the instructions of the lifeguards to avoid more incidents".

The Municipality notes that the Department of Fisheries have issued a list of actions one should take after being stung by a jellyfish.

Bathers stung by a jellyfish are advised to wash the area with sea water without however rubbing the skin and use a plastic credit card to remove any residues of tentacles and inform lifeguards in the area.

Severe pain following the sting usually subsides after 15-20 minutes. In cases where the pain persists, the patient is advised to seek medical assistance. In case of an allergic shock the patient should be transferred immediately to a hospital.

Larnaca Municipality stresses that “the appearance and increase in jellyfish population is a transient phenomenon that usually lasts from a few hours to a few days.”