20/01/2025
A few days ago, one of our AqLS members, Dr Akram, noted 'Portuguese Man-of-War' (also known as the Bluebottle) being washed up to shore at Pantai Bukit Kluang, Besut, Terengganu, in plentiful (See picture 1 and picture 2).
In addition, there was also news reported on the Portuguese Man-of-War found on shore at Pantai Rhu Muda, Marang, Terengganu.
This raises a public concern, as this sea creature may delivers venomous stings (via its thousands of nematocysts) when touched (see picture 3), even after it is dead.
Therefore, public is advised to avoid aquatic recreational activity during this monsoon season and NOT to touch these bluebottles that are washed ashore.
Similar to jellyfish, the Portuguese Man-of-War has tentacles than sting and deliver venom that cause localized symptom of severe pain on the exposed skin, as well as systematic symptoms like muscular cramps and pain in the abdomen and back, fever, vomiting, shortness of breath, increased heart rate, apart from the possibility of allergic reaction and anaphylaxis (life threatening allergic reaction involving dysfunction or the cardiovascular and respiratory system).
On the contrary, Portuguese Man-of-War is not a true jellyfish per se, but a colony of 4 seperate polyps that live together, closely related to fire coral and stinging hydrozoans, under the order of Siphonophora, Physalia species (see picture 4). While a true jellyfish may propel itself in the water by expanding and contracting its bell; Portuguese Man-of-War has no organs to propel themselves, instead 'moves' with the currents in the ocean.
The appearance of Portuguese Man-of-War in Malaysian waters is not surprising, as it is native to the warm waters in the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocena and Indian Ocean (see picture 5) .
Due to the waves and currents of the Northeast Monsoon, we can expect to see many Portuguese Man-of-War washed ashore on the coastline at east coast, Sabah and Sarawak.
In the unfortunate event when a person is being stung by the tentacles of Portuguese Man-of-War:
- Flush the stung area with seawater (NEVER use freshwater or tap water, as it will cause firing of the unfired nematocysts, releasing more venom).
- Gently remove the tentacles with tweezers or gloves if using hands.
- Seek medical treatment at the nearest hospital.
- For severe cases in which the stung victim developed cardiorespiratory arrest, immediate CPR and advanced medical resuscitation in hospital is required.
** Unlike first aid for jellyfish sting, the application of vinegar on the Portuguese Man-of-War sting is not recommended.**
(Some studies showed Physalia species nematocysts discharge with vinegar.)
In this Northeast Monsoon season, let's refrain from aquatic recreational in the sea, not only due to the risk of drowning from the rainy weather and choppy water; also the venomous marine animal like the jellyfish and Portuguese Man-of-War.
