Many New Orleanians love to take a quick jaunt across the state line to enjoy the coastal beaches of Mississippi. However, you may come upon an unwelcome guest if you don’t watch your step. Portuguese Men of War have been washing up along the coast in bright blue bunches that may be pretty to look at, but not so pleasing to the touch. While it may look something like a brightly colored jellyfish, the Man of War is actually a clump of several organisms that pack painful stings. Their venom paralyzes small fish and crustaceans, and while the stings are not deadly to human beings, they are certainly no fun to deal with. It’s especially important to keep young ones away from the extremely painful stings they can pack.
While efforts are currently underway to clean up Mississippi beaches that have been littered with the potentially dangerous unwanted visitors, beachgoers may still spot strays here or there in the meantime. It’s important to stay away from them, even if you suspect they are no longer alive.
Even dead Portuguese Men of War can be dangerous to the touch and can still deliver an extremely painful venom.
Sometimes called “blue dragons” because of their bright, neon-like color, these organisms can pack a punch dead or alive. They are actually gas-filled bubbles that are a collection of floating organisms, with tentacles that can grow up to 40 feet long. Experts say if you’re stung by one, gently pick off any remaining tentacles and be sure not to rub the area. Follow that by flushing the stung area with copious amounts of seawater (NOT freshwater) for at least thirty seconds, and wash the stung area after that in hot water for up to twenty minutes. If the area is still painful to the touch, repeat the previous hot water treatment and repeat that cycle for up to two hours. If you’re still experiencing extreme pain by then, you should seek medical attention.