PHO warns vs. jellyfish at the beach
LINGAYEN–The provincial health office (PHO) reiterated its warning to beach bathers and swimmers in beaches to beware of the jellyfish.
“A jellyfish sting can be life-threatening,” said Dr. Anna Ma. Teresa De Guzman, provincial health officer (PHO) as she advised bathers to avoid going into the deep portions of the water where most jellyfishes are.
De Guzman explained that a jellyfish sting may lead to a serious allergic reaction and worse, anaphylactic shock involving difficulty in breathing, which can be fatal, particularly if the person affected is hypersensitive.
Last week, the PHO listed 17 cases of jellyfish sting, but all were immediately treated by the PHO health emergency response team stationed at the Lingayen beachfront.
Next to blood pressure check-up, the jellyfish sting is the top medical case/service handled at the Lingayen beachfront this summer, PHO records show.
De Guzman explained that first aid treatment to jelly fish sting includes washing of the affected area with seawater and vinegar, and hot compress.
Antibiotic ointment and anti-histamine are also usually given to the person as the sting usually results in allergy.
The Lingayen District Hospital is on high alert as a referral hospital for beachfront health cases.
Apart from the health emergency response team and ambulance, there are also water search and rescue teams as well as uniformed men stationed at the Lingayen beach front until the end of the summer vacation to ensure the public’s safety and security.– Johanne R. Macob
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