Lion’s Mane jellyfish warning issued - here’s everything you need to know if stung

The National Poisons Information Centre is reporting an increase in confirmed sightings of Lion’s Mane jellyfish on beaches around the coast.  

In issuing the warning, along with guidance on what to do if stung, a spokesperson has advised: “Extra care and attention is advised when visiting beaches for swimming and exercise over the next few weeks.”

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Lion's Mane tentacles can reach up to two metres in length and can sting even when washed up on the beach or when the tentacle becomes detached from the main body. 

“The sting can sometimes be painful and may require medical treatment in a hospital.”

What to expect if stung:

-Immediate pain, stinging or pricking at the site of contact

-Skin reactions such as redness, itching, blistering, numbness and wheal formation

-Allergic reactions have rarely been reported

What to do immediately after being stung:

-Swim ashore quickly and calmly

-Seek medical attention from a lifeguard if available

-Flush the affected area with lots of sea water to remove attached tentacles. A beach bucket may be useful

-Get help to rinse areas that may be difficult to reach on your own

-If helping someone else, take care not to get stung yourself

-Remove any remaining tentacles carefully from the skin using the edge of a bank card, a tweezers or a gloved hand. After each 'pass', the bank card, tweezers or glove should be rinsed to prevent return of tentacles

What not to do:

-Do not apply cold applications. It can worsen the discomfort

-Do not rinse with fresh water

-Do not cover the wound with a tight bandage

-Do not scratch or rub the affected area

What to do as soon as possible

-If painful, immerse the affected limb or wound in hot water as hot as can be tolerated for 30 to 90 minutes or until pain is easing. As the sting can cause numbness take care not to cause inadvertent scalding. If immersion in hot water is not possible, cover the wound with hot flannels

-You can immerse the area in hot water again, or use hot flannels up to two hours after the sting, if pain returns

-If pain persists or itching develops, contact the National Poisons Information Centre (NPIC), your GP or pharmacist for advice

-Seek urgent medical attention in hospital if you experience breathing difficulties, chest tightness, swelling around the mouth or eyes or vomiting

People are also advised that Lion's Mane should not be touched if found on the beach, even if they appear dead as the sting can still be very painful.

The National Poisons Information Centre can be reached on 01 9082166

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