LAHAD DATU: Members of the public who plan to visit Payang Beach urged to exercise caution while conducting water activities following discovery of a potentially dangerous species of jellyfish in the area.
Wilderness and Extreme Medicine Physician, Dr Muhammad Na’im Ab Razak said the single-tentacle box jellyfish from the Carybdeidae family group measuring about one centimetre was found at a depth of six metres during a night scuba diving session.
He said the discovery was the first in this area as previous encounters were only reported in the waters off Tawau and Pulau Sakar.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});“This type of jellyfish is capable of triggering Irukandji Syndrome, also known as ‘Ribut Katekolamin,’ which can cause extreme muscle pain, anxiety, cardiac arrest, or stroke a few hours after being stung.
“Unlike the more well-known Chironex jellyfish, its sting does not leave visible tentacle marks on the skin,” he said.
He said first aid is necessary to minimise risk such as wearing full-body swimwear made of thick material.
He said visitors should always carry a bottle of vinegar which can be used to pour directly on the sting area for at least 30 seconds to deactivate stinging cells.
“If the victim is unresponsive or not breathing, call 999 and immediately start Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
“Seek medical attention as soon as possible if any visitors are suspected to have been stung,” he added.
