What are the symptoms of jellyfish stings?

Symptoms. Common signs and symptoms of jellyfish stings include: Burning, prickling, stinging pain; Red, brown or purplish tracks on the skin — a "print" of the tentacles' contact with your skin; Itching; Swelling; Throbbing pain that radiates up a leg or an arm. read more

The progressive effects of a jellyfish sting may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lymph node swelling, abdominal pain, numbness/tingling, and muscle spasms. Severe reactions can cause difficulty breathing, coma, and death. A sting from a box jellyfish or other venomous types of jellyfish can cause death in minutes. read more

The following tips can help you avoid jellyfish stings: Wear a protective suit. When swimming or diving in areas where jellyfish stings are possible, wear a wet suit or other protective clothing. Diving stores sell protective "skin suits" or "stinger suits" made of thin, high-tech fabric. read more

Most types of jellyfish stings will cause some discomfort, but some can be life-threatening. According to the National Science Foundation, over 500,000 people are stung by jellyfish every year in North America’s Chesapeake Bay alone. read more