Purple jellyfish are appearing earlier than usual this year on several Greek beaches, with initial sightings reported in eastern Greater Athens.
Jellyfish initially appeared off the coast of Oropos. Since then, they have moved farther south, with sightings near Nea Makri, Zoumperi, and the port town of Rafina.
Warmer waters push purple jellyfish toward Greek beaches
Local reports also identified Cotylorhiza tuberculata, commonly known in Greece as the “fried egg” jellyfish, close to shores. Experts link the phenomenon to rising sea temperatures in recent days, which have created favorable conditions for early jellyfish blooms.
The fried egg jellyfish can reach up to forty centimeters (16 inches) in diameter and poses no threat to humans.
Greek beaches in Evia report large jellyfish blooms
Farther north, extensive jellyfish blooms, including purple jellyfish, have appeared along a stretch of more than seven kilometers (4.3 miles) from Politika Beach to Dafni Beach on the northwestern coast of Evia along the northern Gulf of Euboea.
The scale of the phenomenon has alarmed local residents and tourism business owners, especially as coastal activity increases ahead of the summer season. The repeated appearance of jellyfish swarms in Greek waters has renewed concerns over environmental changes and their impact on marine ecosystems, coastal communities, and tourism activity.
What is the purple jellyfish?
The purple jellyfish, or Pelagia noctiluca, is a relatively small and colorful species found in warm and temperate seas worldwide. It is also bioluminescent, meaning it can produce light. Both its tentacles and bell contain stinging cells, known as nematocysts, a feature that is unusual among jellyfish. Unlike the harmless Cotylorhiza tuberculata, the purple jellyfish can deliver a painful sting.
Although experts generally do not consider it dangerous, its sting can cause pain, with symptoms occasionally lasting for an extended period of time. In rare cases, severe systemic reactions can occur and require immediate medical attention.
Swarms of Pelagia noctiluca can also decimate entire fish farms, making the species one of the most closely studied jellyfish in the Mediterranean and beyond.
Symptoms of a purple jellyfish sting
Upon contact with the skin, common symptoms may include an intense burning sensation, redness, and a jellyfish-like imprint on the affected area. A sting may also result in nausea, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, a drop in blood pressure, tachycardia, bronchospasms, and shortness of breath.
People should seek immediate hospitalization if symptoms such as hypotension, hoarseness, inspiratory wheezing, disturbances in consciousness, or communication difficulties occur.
What to do if stung by a purple jellyfish
Anyone stung by a purple jellyfish should carefully remove any remaining tentacles without using bare hands to avoid further stinging. Covering the hand with sand and gently rubbing the affected area can help remove remnants from the skin.
Then, rinse the sting area thoroughly with plenty of seawater. Do not use fresh water, as it can activate dormant stinging cells.
Apply ice or cold compresses to the affected area to reduce local skin irritation. A cortisone cream may also help reduce inflammation and relieve stinging and itching, while an antihistamine pill can address itching, especially if the affected area is large.
If symptoms become severe or do not subside after local treatment, the person may need a cortisone injection. In such cases, affected individuals should promptly go to a hospital or health center.
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