For many swimmers in the open waters of Hong Kong, jellyfish stings have become a frequent occupational hazard. Stories of encounters with these marine creatures are common among the swimming community. Surgeon Joanna Mak, for instance, suffered a sting on her lips and chin while swimming. She initially brushed off the slight pain but sought hospital treatment hours later when her lips swelled up and blistered. Despite this painful incident, Mak remained undeterred and continues to brave the waters.
Australian-born Peter Nelson and local swimmer Edie Hu have had similar experiences with jellyfish stings. Nelson had been stung by a ghost jellyfish, also known locally as a lion’s mane, identifiable by its long, trailing tentacles. Hu mentioned how these stings could cause marks if the tentacles wrapped around a swimmer’s face or legs. However, she said the worst stings she experienced were from sea lice, the microscopic larvae of jellyfish, leaving her with red welts for a week.
Jellyfish stings are a result of the venom injected from thousands of microscopic barbs in their trailing tentacles. According to Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong, symptoms can range from red welts, pain, and blistering, to severe cases of nausea, rapid pulse, or breathing difficulties. The Fire Services Department of Hong Kong advises immediate medical attention in case of severe reactions and provides guidelines on how to respond to a jellyfish sting. These include staying calm, not touching the stung area, rinsing with clean seawater, and soaking the area in hot water to alleviate pain.
However, John Terenzini, the founder of the Hong Kong Jellyfish Project (HKJP), highlights that this advice might not be effective for all species of jellyfish. HKJP, established in 2021, is a citizen science initiative dedicated to bridging the knowledge gaps about jellyfish in Hong Kong. The project’s goals are not only to increase understanding of jellyfish and the impact of their bloom but also to reframe their image, underlining their crucial role in marine ecosystems as part of the diet for over 160 species of fish.
While much about jellyfish stings is yet to be uncovered, the experiences of swimmers like Mak, Nelson, and Hu bring into focus the need for ongoing research and better understanding of these creatures to improve water safety in Hong Kong.
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