Jellyfish In Belize: What You Need To Know

Belize is a country in Central America with a coast on the Caribbean Sea. It is the least populated and least densely populated country in Central America, allowing its biodiversity to thrive. The country is known for its lush forests, which cover over 60% of the country, and its environmental protection laws, which cover 37% of the land. The coast of Belize contains the Belize Barrier Reef, an essential section of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. The reef is home to a wide variety of fish species, including the bonefish, the Atlantic tarpon, and the permit fish. However, the country's waters are also home to dangerous creatures, including jellyfish.

Jellyfish in Belize during Easter

If you're planning a trip to Belize during Easter, you should be aware of the abundance of jellyfish that frequent the shores during this time of year. Known as the 'Pica Pica', these jellyfish are actually the larvae of Thimble jellyfish, which are tiny, resembling a thimble and measuring about 1" in diameter. They are dark brown in colour and appear in dense aggregations.

The jellyfish are carried by winds and currents, making their way to the shores of Belize during the windy days between March and May. However, it's not uncommon to encounter them from as early as late January through to June. They arrive suddenly, with the high winds and strong currents, and their presence can be a cause for concern for those wishing to enjoy the sea.

The discharge of the larvae of the Thimble jellyfish, or the 'Pica Pica', contains stinging cells that can cause skin irritation. This irritation is often described as feeling like being bitten by hundreds of mosquitoes all at once. The rash caused by these jellyfish is known as sea bathers' eruption and can be extremely uncomfortable, with symptoms including itching, pustules, chills, fever, nausea, headache and weakness. These symptoms may not appear until hours after leaving the water, and can last for several days or weeks.

To avoid any unpleasant encounters with these jellyfish, it is recommended to stay out of the water during this season, especially if you have a history of allergies. If you do choose to enter the water, do so at your own risk and be sure to take the necessary precautions. Avoid wearing T-shirts in the water, as they can trap the jellyfish against your skin and increase the severity of the reaction. If you do come into contact with the jellyfish, do not shower with fresh water, as this will trigger the stinging cells. Instead, change out of your wet clothes as soon as possible and apply vinegar to neutralise any nematocysts that may be on your skin.

If you experience a sting, treatment options are available. For minimal lesions, the application of creams and lotions can help reduce the rash, and antihistamines can be taken with a physician's guidance. In more severe cases, topical and systemic steroids may be administered under medical supervision. It is important not to scratch the affected areas, as this can lead to skin infections.

Symptoms of jellyfish stings

Jellyfish are sea creatures with nearly see-through bodies and long, finger-like structures called tentacles. While jellyfish don't go after humans, their stings can be extremely painful and, in some cases, even deadly. Here are some symptoms of jellyfish stings:

Pain, Red Marks, Itching, Numbness, or Tingling

A typical jellyfish sting will result in immediate pain, redness, itching, numbness, or tingling at the site of the sting. These symptoms are indicative of a less severe reaction and can be treated with over-the-counter medications and home remedies.

Breathing and Swallowing Difficulties

In more severe cases, jellyfish stings can cause breathing and swallowing difficulties. This is often a sign of a serious allergic reaction or the venom taking effect, and immediate medical attention should be sought.

Muscle Pain and Spasms

The venom of certain jellyfish species can cause intense muscle pain and spasms. This is a result of the toxins affecting the nervous system and can be extremely dangerous.

Raised Red Spot and Blistering

At the site of the sting, a raised red spot will usually appear, indicating the location of the sting. In more severe cases, blistering can occur, leading to skin irritation and possible infection.

Numbness and Weakness

In some cases, jellyfish stings can cause numbness and weakness throughout the body. This is a result of the venom affecting the nervous system and can be extremely dangerous, especially if it leads to difficulty in breathing or other vital functions.

It's important to note that different species of jellyfish will exhibit varying symptoms, and some may even be life-threatening. If you are stung by a jellyfish, it is always best to seek medical attention, especially if the symptoms persist or worsen. Additionally, it is recommended to treat the affected area with vinegar to neutralize any remaining stinging cells and prevent further venom release.

Preventing jellyfish stings

Yes, there are jellyfish in Belize. The 'Pica Pica' jellyfish, also known as the Thimble jellyfish, is commonly found in the waters of Belize during the Easter season. This species is known for its potent sting, which can cause a skin rash called sea bathers eruption.

• Keep an eye out for beach warning signs and warning flags. Some beaches will fly a purple flag when there is dangerous marine life in the water, such as jellyfish.
• Wear protective clothing, such as a wetsuit, when swimming in the sea. This creates a physical barrier between your skin and the jellyfish.
• Check the news and local reports before swimming. Large numbers of jellyfish or rare species are often reported, so you can be aware of potential risks.
• Swim against the current. Jellyfish tend to float with the current, so swimming against it reduces your chances of encountering them.
• Be cautious when walking on the beach. Even washed-up jellyfish on the shore can sting just as fiercely, so avoid touching them.
• Scuff or stamp your feet when walking in shallow water. This creates vibrations that warn sea creatures, including jellyfish, of your approach.
• Wear waterproof shoes or sandals when walking in shallow water or rocky areas. This will protect your feet from potential stings.
• Avoid touching or handling jellyfish, even if they appear dead or washed up on the beach. They can still sting and release venom.
• If you have a history of allergies, avoid swimming in waters where jellyfish are present. The risk of a severe reaction is higher for individuals with allergies.
• Avoid wearing a t-shirt or other loose clothing while swimming. Jellyfish can become trapped between the fabric and your skin, increasing the severity of the sting.
• After swimming in the sea, do not shower with fresh water. Fresh water can trigger the stinging cells of some jellyfish species. Instead, rinse your skin with seawater to prevent the release of more venom.
• Carry a small container of vinegar with you. Vinegar can neutralise the nematocysts (stinging cells) that may be clinging to your skin but have not yet fired.
• Be cautious when handling stung areas. Remember that jellyfish stingers can remain in your skin after the initial sting. Avoid touching the affected area with your bare hands, and wear gloves if you need to provide assistance to someone who has been stung.

Treatment for jellyfish stings

Jellyfish stings can be extremely painful and, in some cases, deadly. If you are stung by a jellyfish, it is important to act quickly and seek medical attention if necessary. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to treat jellyfish stings:

Step 1: Remove the affected person from the water

If you or someone else is stung by a jellyfish, the first step is to get out of the water to avoid any further stings.

Step 2: Rinse the affected area with vinegar

Use vinegar to rinse the sting site. Vinegar is a weak acid that can prevent the jellyfish's nematocysts (stinging cells) from releasing more venom into the body. Keep a small plastic bottle of vinegar in your beach bag for easy access. Do not use fresh water, as it can cause more nematocysts to fire. If vinegar is not available, rinse the sting with seawater instead.

Step 3: Remove any remaining tentacles

Use tweezers to carefully pluck away any tentacles that are still attached to the skin. Do not rub, scrape, or apply pressure to the affected area, as this can make the sting worse and release more venom.

Step 4: Take a hot shower or soak

A hot (but not scalding) shower or soak can help to lessen the pain and discomfort caused by the sting.

Step 5: Seek medical attention if necessary

In some cases, jellyfish stings can be severe and require medical attention. Call an ambulance right away if the person stung is experiencing any of the following:

• Trouble breathing or swallowing
• Swelling of the tongue or lips, or a change in voice
• Severe pain or a feeling of general unwellness
• Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or a headache
• Stings over a large part of the body
• A sting in the eye or mouth
• A sting from a highly dangerous species of jellyfish, such as the box jellyfish

Step 6: Apply antihistamine or steroid creams

After soaking the affected area in hot water, apply antihistamine or steroid creams, such as cortisone cream, to help alleviate pain and itching.

Prevention

To prevent jellyfish stings, it is advisable to look for warning signs or flags at the beach, indicating the presence of dangerous marine life. Additionally, always carry a small container of vinegar and a pair of tweezers in your beach bag when swimming in areas where jellyfish may be present.

Dangerous marine life in Belize

Belize is a tropical paradise, rich in marine wildlife. While most of these creatures are harmless, there are a few dangerous species to be aware of.

One of the most well-known dangers in Belize's waters is the jellyfish. Although jellyfish-related deaths are rare, their stings can be extremely painful and cause a skin rash known as sea bathers' eruption. The Thimble Jellyfish, also known as the Pica Pica, is commonly found in the waters of Belize during the Easter season, especially between March and May. These jellyfish are small, about 1" in diameter, and are characterised by dark brown markings. They often arrive with high winds and strong currents and can cause a skin irritation if you come into contact with them.

Another dangerous creature in Belize is the Portuguese man-of-war, which is similar to a jellyfish but is actually a colony of sea animals. They are easily identifiable by their large, pink or purple balloon-like appearance, with tentacles that can reach up to 12 meters in length. Their stings are very painful and can cause incapacitation, but they are rarely fatal.

Divers and swimmers should also be cautious of stonefish, which are found in the tropical waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Stonefish are extremely venomous and can grow up to 30 centimeters in length. They have a lumpy shape and subdued colouring, which makes them difficult to spot. They are known to hide in shallow waters and their sting can be extremely painful and sometimes fatal.

Additionally, there have been reports of dangerous sea creatures such as stingrays, scorpion fish, and fire corals in Belize. Stingrays are found in shallow waters and have a sharp, venomous spike in their tail that can cause painful wounds. Scorpion fish, also known as zebra fish, inhabit reefs and can grow up to 90 centimeters in length. They are usually reddish in colour and have long, wavy fins and spines that deliver an intensely painful sting. Fire corals, on the other hand, are often mistaken for seaweed by divers. They appear as small, brush-like growths on rocks and coral, and can cause a burning sensation and red welts if touched.

While they are not commonly associated with Belize, sharks do pose a potential danger in the country's waters. Nurse sharks, in particular, have been known to inhabit reefs and coral ledges in the region. Although they are generally docile, unprovoked attacks have occurred, and divers should be cautious when encountering these creatures.

In conclusion, while Belize is a haven for marine life and offers incredible diving and snorkelling opportunities, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers posed by certain species. By being cautious and respectful of these creatures, divers and swimmers can minimise the risk of injury and continue to enjoy the rich biodiversity that Belize has to offer.

Frequently asked questions