A Powerful Sting Could Await You if Not Careful in Galveston, Texas

(Galveston, Texas) - We're putting the finishing touches on our summer vacation adventures right now. One of those adventures could be to the beach in Galveston. Whether you enjoy bouncing around in the waves or digging up seashells, there is a bit of caution and awareness that needs to be taken.

It's being reported that Portuguese man o' war are washing up on shore. These jellyfish can cause a painful sting that, if bad enough, could result in a trip to the hospital. Three people were stung recently prompting the warning.

A Powerful Sting Could Await You if Not Careful in Galveston

In 2010, I was at Surfside Beach, about 40 miles south of Galveston. I was enjoying some time in the water bouncing in the waves. Suddenly, I felt something on my arm that almost felt like a bee sting.

I didn't think much of it until that stinging feeling got a little worse. That's when I noticed a red streak about an inch long on the underside of my bicep. Apparently, I had been stung by a jellyfish. This was the first time I'd ever been stung.

Watch Out or You Could Get Stung if Not Careful in Galveston

Authorities in Galveston have issued a warning to be on the lookout for Portuguese man o' war after three people were stung recently (KHOU). They will be blue in color and have long tentacles that can sting. If you step on them, even if they're dead, the sting can be very painful.

If the sting is great enough, especially from a Man o' war, you may have to go to the hospital. Not exactly what you want to be doing on vacation. The best thing to do if you see one of these creatures on the beach is to walk around it.

A Powerful Sting Awaits if You're Not Careful on a Galveston Beach

If you are stung, contact beach rescue as they have a liquid that can be applied to alleviate the pain (valleycentral.com). You can also pack the area with wet sand and then wash it off (repeat if needed) to help remove the remains of the jellyfish from your skin. Another solution is use a mixture of unseasoned meat tenderizer and rubbing alcohol and apply that to the area that was stung (cityofportaransas.org).

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