On the popular beaches of Cyprus, including the Protaras district - from Yanna Marina to Fig Tree Bay - in recent weeks an increase in the number of incidents with burns from sea assets has been noticed, local residents and authorities warn.
In social networks, users publish photos with severe skin irritations and swelling that occurred after swimming. As one of the mothers said, her son became the fifth victim in a month:
“The child stung the acting, the leg was very swollen in two days - he could not even advance. Now it’s better, but there is a trace that looks like a burn. ”
Sea assets are not plants, but toxic marine animals from the class of books, which also include jellyfish. Visually, they resemble flowers or algae and are attached to stones or other solid surfaces in shallow water.
In Cyprus, the types of anemonia viridis and Cerianthus membranaceus are most often found. Their tentacles contain stinging cells, which, in contact with human skin, can cause: burn -like rashes; severe itching and inflammation; In rare cases - scars, swelling, nausea or rapid heartbeat in sensitive people.
According to the Department of Fisheries and Marine Studies of Cyprus, the treatment of bites is similar to jellyfish bites. Persons affected in water must observe the following steps:
Immediately get out of the water and do not panic.
Do not touch the tentacles with your hands - if they are left on the skin, they need to be removed with the help of improvised means: credit card, sticks, forceps or even a sheet.
Rinse the affected place with sea water (not fresh!). You can use vinegar or other weak acid solution.
Do not cover or rub the place of burn - it should breathe.
When itching, rash, edema or other complications occurs - see a doctor immediately. You may need an antihistamine or ointment.
If there is a rescuer nearby, be sure to inform him of the incident - this will help to warn other vacationers.
Sea assets are present in the coastal waters of Cyprus constantly, but their activity can increase in the summer season due to:
an increase in water temperature,
increase in the number of tourists,
mixing water during a storm or bathing.
The authorities emphasize: these organisms are part of the marine ecosystem, and it is impossible to completely avoid them. However, awareness and compliance with safety rules will help minimize risks.
Source: Alphanews.live
