Jellyfish Sting Kills 5-Year-Old Girl
KIERA MANINGDING – A 5-year-old girl tragically passed away after being stung by a jellyfish while swimming at a beach resort.
A jellyfish sting occurs when a person comes into contact with the tentacles of a jellyfish, which release venomous microscopic stingers called nematocysts. These stingers inject venom into the skin upon contact, leading to a range of symptoms depending on the type of jellyfish and the severity of the sting.
The initial sensation of a jellyfish sting is often intense pain, burning, or itching at the site of contact. Redness and swelling may quickly follow, and in more severe cases, welts or raised, whip-like marks (welts) can appear on the skin. The pain can be excruciating, especially from species like the box jellyfish or Portuguese man o’ war, which have potent venom.
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Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, muscle spasms, difficulty breathing, and in extreme cases, heart problems or even death, though fatalities are rare. Immediate first aid is crucial and typically involves rinsing the affected area with vinegar to neutralize any remaining stingers, followed by carefully removing visible tentacles with gloves or tweezers. It’s important not to rub the area or apply freshwater, as these actions can trigger more venom release.
Seeking medical attention is advised, especially if the sting is severe or involves a sensitive area like the face or genitals, or if the person stung shows signs of an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing or widespread swelling. Treatment may involve pain management, antihistamines, and in severe cases, intravenous medications to counteract the venom’s effects.
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Meanwhile, Kiera Maningding, a 5-year-old girl, tragically passed away after being stung by a jellyfish while swimming at a beach resort. According to Inquirer, her mother, Jahaziel Michaellie Maningding, stated there were no warnings about jellyfish in the water. Resort staff applied vinegar to her legs, but no immediate transport was available to take her to the hospital.
A resort guest eventually took Kiera to Allied CareExperts Medical Center-Baypointe, where she was intubated but later succumbed to anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. Kiera’s mother criticized the resort for being unprepared, while the resort’s counsel described the incident as isolated.