Man o’ War Sightings Rise Along Myrtle Beach Shore; Marine Biology Professor Provides Insights into Sting Remedies

Man o’ War Sightings Rise Along Myrtle Beach Shore; Marine Biology Professor Provides Insights into Sting Remedies

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C – A surge in Portuguese Man o’ War sightings along the coast in the broader Myrtle Beach area is causing concern among beach-goers. Sightings have been reported from locales that span from Cherry Grove and Myrtle Beach to Pawleys Island. The prime reason attributed to this spike appears to be the recent easterly winds, as explained by marine biology professor at Coastal Carolina University (CCU).

The Man o’ War menace

Man o’ War, often mistaken for jellyfish, can pose a significant threat due to their potentially harmful stings. Describing their behavior, Professor Eric Rosch, a senior lecturer of marine biology, said, “They can still sting even if they’re washed up and quite dead…the nematocysts, the cells that actually sting, they’re basically spring-loaded…if anything touches them, they just fire.”

In general, Man o’ War stings are not fatal, barring exceptions for those who may be allergic. Rosch added that while it may be necessary to relocate these marine creatures if they pose a risk to children or pets, it’s crucial to be careful and use protection like a towel or gloves when handling the animal. He suggested that one could try picking it up by the ‘bell’ or balloon.

Sting Remedies & Precautions

Naturally, with the increased sightings of Man o’ War along the shore, understanding sting remedies becomes paramount. For those unfortunate to experience a Man o’ War sting, the uses of vinegar or meat tenderizer have been suggested to alleviate the pain.

The professor underscored the importance of removing the tentacles without exacerbating the condition, “If you have a credit card on you, you can kind of scrape the tentacles off without making it worse. In a pinch, you could use a flat-edge seashell. Sometimes you can use that to scrape the tentacles off your legs or arms without making things even worse or getting them on your hands in the process.”

While local authorities and marine biologists continue to monitor the situation, beach-goers are advised to stay vigilant and ensure the safety of themselves and their loved ones. Knowledge of the sting remedies suggested by Professor Rosch may come in handy during these times. After all, a little preparation never hurts when dealing with the unexpected.

Last but not least, if you spot a Man o’ War on the beach, report it to the local authorities so that they can take the necessary steps to protect others on the beach.

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