A heartbreaking incident in Langkawi recently put the spotlight on jellyfish safety.
A 2-year-old boy from Russia passed away after being stung while playing at Pantai Cenang during a family holiday. The tragedy has raised concerns about what people should actually do if they ever face a similar situation.
Photo via NST Online
To help the public stay safe, Public Health Malaysia and the Ministry of Health (MOH) have shared clear advice on the correct way to handle jellyfish stings.
One of the first myths they addressed is the idea of using urine to treat a sting. They explained in a Facebook post that this method is completely untrue. The correct and most effective first step is to rinse the affected area with vinegar for at least 30 seconds.
They wrote, “Don’t try to treat a jellyfish sting with urine. The idea that urine is a good treatment for jellyfish stings may come from an old myth. There’s no need to pee on your jellyfish sting.”
What to do if you are stung by a jellyfish
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Leave the water immediately
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Rinse the sting area with vinegar for 30 seconds
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Use a tweezer to gently remove any visible stingers
However, they also noted that this method may not work for every type of jellyfish.
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What you should avoid doing
Health experts warn against wiping or rubbing the sting area with a towel or cloth. Doing so can make the pain worse because more venom may be released.
They explained that the more you move or rub the tentacles, the more venom enters the skin.
If the sting covers a large area of the body, if it may be caused by a box jellyfish, or if the person shows signs of a severe allergic reaction, it is important to get emergency medical treatment at the nearest hospital immediately.
