 |
| Florida Jellyfish Attack |
Thousands of jellyfish washed up on Florida's east coast over the Memorial holiday weekend, stinging swimmers and thwarting beachgoers.
Brevard County Ocean Rescue Chief Jeff Scabarozi (ska-buh-ROH'-zee) says more than a week of Atlantic onshore winds are to blame for the high numbers of jellyfish that washed ashore. Scabarozi says bathers from Cocoa Beach to Satellite Beach were warned to stay out of the water.
More than 200 people suffered sings to their legs, arms and torsos on Saturday. More than 200 more people suffered similar stings Sunday. No major health problems were reported.
The reddish-colored jellyfish, called mauve stingers, have purple barbs that sting. Lifeguards offered victims sprays of vinegar to neutralize the stinging cells. They also recommended that swimmers apply Benadryl to itching or painful welts.
