Dubai: What supposedly was an all-girls’ day out turned into a nightmare for an Indian housewife who was stung by a jellyfish at Nasimi Beach, near Atlantis, Palm Jumeirah on Saturday.
Reema (name changed), 29, was swimming with her family at around 4pm on Saturday when she suddenly felt excruciating pain on her right forearm. Within minutes, her forearm was swollen. The burning sensation caused by a jellyfish sting spread to other parts of her body, particularly her lower face.
“The pores of my entire forearm opened up and it was full of a red rash and very swollen. It felt like my hand was on fire,” Reema told Gulf News.
Reema complained of a lack of signs warning beachgoers of jellyfish on the beach. “They don’t even have warning signs. That was the shocking part because it was so close to the shore. They should put up a sign as soon as possible,” she said.
When contacted by Gulf News, Julien Pilard, restaurant manager of Nasimi Beach, said: “I really apologise for what had happened to [our client]. We would like to let her know that we have taken her feedback seriously and we will put the warning signs as soon as possible.”
Not life-threatening
Jellyfish have tentacles that contain venomous sacs that release toxins upon contact with human skin. Jellyfish stings in the UAE are not life-threatening but could be extremely painful.
“Depending on the severity of the toxicity level, it can trigger two reactions — toxic reaction and delayed allergic reaction,” renowned dermatologist Dr Ikramullah Al Nasir said.
Others, however, could develop allergies which could potentially become lethal.
“Medical treatment is required, especially if systemic symptoms are more pronounced like breathing difficulties, irregular heartbeat — which is very rare, but could happen to allergy-prone individuals. The victim should go to the nearest hospital right away,” he added.
For skin lesions, victims should still consult a dermatologist for proper medical care.
Three types of jellyfish can commonly be found anywhere in Dubai waters: the blue blubber jellyfish, upside-down jellyfish, and nettle jellyfish, according to Amie Jan Lenkowiec, Project Manager at the Emirates Marine Environmental Group (Emeg).
“The nettle jellyfish causes the most problems as it has long streamers which give a mild sting when skin contact is made. It is most common in September to November, peaking in October. The blue blubber and the upside-down jellyfish are often seen in shallow waters. The nettle jellyfish is pelagic but when populations bloom it can be found inshore,” Lenkowiec said.
What happened to Reema was not an isolated case as peer reviews posted on popular travel advisory guide TripAdvisor said those who had been to that beach had spotted jellyfish during their stay. Some people also got stung at that time, they said.
Fortunately for Reema, a lifeguard helped her on Saturday by spraying vinegar and using a card to scrape off the tentacles attached to her forearm. But Reema said the treatment she received was not very professional at all. The beach management said they will look into the matter.
