Hello everyone,

Are there any local experiences about the dangerous jellyfish that were spotted around Bonaire? I read an article about in on amigoe.com and was wondering if it affects diving and snorkeling etc

Diana

Diana, I was there for the 12th-19th. The Bonaire Banded Box Jelly has not only been seen, but photographed, and unfortunately stung one of the guests at the Plaza ,where I was staying. The poor guy was a 60 year old gentleman, just learning to snorkel.

There a few more hazards in the water and they are listed on the warning notice.

I photographed the warning poster that was placed on the beach at the Plaza....here it is:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/dlorenz/DSC_0006-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/dlorenz/DSC_0007-2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/dlorenz/DSC_0008.jpg

(Message edited by dave_l on August 21, 2006)

OK, I'm a bit freaked about the jelly fish! Full length wetsuit for me thank you!

We dove with 1000's of box jellies at Ol' Blue in May, but I didn't notice any stinging. The turtles and many of the fish were feeding on them. These did not have tentacles.

(Message edited by bandit on August 22, 2006)

The Box Jelly and the Bonaire Banded Box Jelly are two entirely different animals. The Banded is thought to be a newly discovered genus(unique to Bonaire) and is highly toxic.

>>These did not have tentacles.

Are you certain that they were box jellies?

Box Jellies or Cubozoans.

Many marine jellies are present in the waters off Bonaire and throughout the Caribbean. Some species are not toxic, some are mildly toxic, and a few are highly toxic. The most toxic are the box jellies or Cubozoans. All of these species have the distinct 4 tentacles (aka box) which may be clear, translucent, for example Carybdea alata (see Humann Deloach for pic) or they may have alternating dark bands. There are several BT postings about this species. All cubozoans are highly toxic. Other toxic species of jellies include the Man-O-War. Treatment for different species should be understood before first aid is attempted.

There has been misinformation printed in the amigo and other publications. Bonaire is quite safe, normally, but there is a worldwide jelly pandemic in some areas.

The jellies described earlier in this strand (without tentacles) were not box jellies. If someone has a pic and can describe them that would be helpful input. Moon jellies, for example, have swarmed off Bonaire (et al) for several years.

Bud

So Bud... is the information Dave has pictures of in his post regarding the signs at the Plaza accurate? Is dilute vinegar appropriate for initial triage of the 3 species listed on the sign?
Thanks!

There is an excellent article on treating jellyfish stings (and other hazardous marine life problems) on the DAN website at http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/articles/article.asp?articleid=36, about 2/3 of the way down the page.

The Plaza sign is not quite right: it refers to "vinegar (5%)" but it does not mean 5% vinegar...it means pure vinegar, which is about 5% acetic acid.

I'm not a medical professional, but I do teach the DAN course on Hazardous Marine Life Injuries.

- Mel

Thanks Mel and everyone! Knowledge is power...

From May,


www.myoldtools.com/pictures/jelly.jpg

That's not a jelly, that's a female prophylaxis ;-)

Is the presently recommended treatment for the BBB the same as DAN recommends for the box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri) of northern Australia?

If not, what is recommended?

does anyone know if any of the dive shops on Bonaire carry "safe sea" sunblock, as recommended for jellyfish protection by DAN?

"For prevention of jellyfish sting or sea bather's eruption, all divers and ocean bathers are advised to apply Safe Sea jellyfish and sea lice safe sun block. This sunscreen product has been tested clinically and has been shown to help protect against the stings of most jellyfish and related creatures."

I used to be able to get it in FL, it was quite pricey for a small bottle, but it did keep away most 'sea lice' stings. Interestingly, I was told by a marine biologist that the active ingredient that prevents stings is a kind of fish oil.

I saw that on that DAN link too. You can buy it online: www.buysafesea.com - but you need a paypal account.

Glen: it is *extremely unlikely* the local box jellyfish (be it banded or not) is a (very dangerous) Chironex fleckeri, which are big, with many tentacles from each corner of the box, and very Australian. A more likely family is Carybdea, named in fact for the Caribbean. Not very big, simple single tentacle from each corner of the box. The infamous Bonaire Banded Box Jellyfish may be a species of Carybdea, but because it is rare and not much known, caution is advised.

Vinegar is the fluid of choice in all cases; definitely NOT freshwater or alcohol. The goal is to stop the nematocysts from firing, which releases the venom into your system. Then you remove the tentacles, and treat for pain, for example with ice. A really serious case, of course, may require immediate medical attention, but this is NOT the "instant death" sting of the nasty two species in Australia!

There is a lot of confusion because the common names of sea wasp and box jellyfish are given to so many different animals, it is hard to know what is meant when someone says they saw a box jellyfish.

I guess the point is, carry some vinegar, wear full body protection (shorties are not smart), and don't run screaming from the water if you see one!

- Mel

Becky,

Good question. A lot in this area is on BT already.

More critters to consider.
Bonaire/Curacao have a history of severe jelly stings, though it is limited. Many places do. Cape Cod and South Carolina had significant beach closings because of significant Man-O-War stings. Spain and other areas of the Mediterrean coast are having record-breaking sting problems (Pelagia) this summer (19,000 recorded in a month). Jellies are having a great year. People are not. Two swimmers died in China last week from jelly stings. Numerous species are causing these problems. So Bonaire is not alone. In some places, jelly populations are epidemic for both toxic and non-toxic species. Yet Bonaire remains one of the safest and best places in the world to dive and snorkel.

Comments on the Bonaire jelly situation.
The addition of more highly toxic jelly stings clearly adds to the need for allergic and systemic considerations from medical staff. One clear problem with jelly stings is that those victims stung don't know the severity of the sting. It just really hurts. The majority of stings aren't severe. Allergic reactions to stings always need to be considered. Especially for repeat sting victims. Many stings resolve themselves in minutes. Other stings have escalating severity for different reasons. Some sting sites continue to release venom into the bloodstream or transdermally as more (unfired) nematocysts fire. The brave father of the young girl stung off Bachelor's Beach risked a lot by grabbing the jelly with his bare hands, but provided evidence that she was stung by a BBBJ. Pics were posted by Jake in the Snorkeling thread.

Recently, I sent more detailed recommendations for jelly sting first aid to the Director of the Bonaire Marine Park. Ramon is quite interested in helping with the situation. I did this after hearing recent jelly stings (serious ones) were treated with sauves and compression bandages, hoping the hospital, et al, would review their practices.

Different species of jelly stings affect people differently. There are errors on the info posted recently on Bonaire because it has an across-the-board recommendation of vinegar for all species. Also the DAN sting info referenced earlier is both helpful in parts and dated, and needs some revision.

1. Nematocyst Inhibition.
Different species of jellies react (nematocyst triggers) differently to chemical and hypo/hyper changes. The use of vinegar for a "carte blanche" triage use is coming under significant scrutiny. There is little actual research regarding acetic acid and nematocyst inhibition. Now there are strong recommendations against using vinegar/acetic acid for Man-O-War and other siphonophores. Vinegar has been shown to accelerate stings and venom release in these species. Many Florida beaches have stopped using vinegar for sea lice (jelly sea larva,including thimble jellies) and MOW. The Aussies continue to recommend and use vinegar for Cubozoa (box jelly) stings. This is always in combination with other medical procedures. Fresh water and bare (melting) ice (or condensation) are definitive nematocyst triggers. Magnesium sulfate (Epson's salt) is also being used to clean sting wounds. Tentacles/bits needs to be removed as well.

2. New news.
Jelly weaponry is considerable. Electron microscopy studies reveal that jellies have a wide variety nematocyst structures. These nematocysts come in different sizes, shapes, triggers (cnidocils), categories, and engineering. They are the fastest moving structures known relating living organisms. More good news, there are many more types of venom then previously thought, with some species having several types within the same animal. Nematocysts are now being studied and used for applying tatoos. Apparently, some jellies can absorb ink and release it under your skin. At least it is fast.

3. Venom denaturing/pain relief.
Vinegar does not denature venom protein or provide pain relief for any jelly stings. Products (3) with proteolytic enzymes (papain, bromelain) have been used successfully on numerous species of stinging jellies, including siphonophores/MOW. Including on Bonaire. (High) heat treatments are being tested for proteolytic activity (broken down venom).

4. Just say no.
Urine, beer, alcohol, sand pastes, clam shells, fresh water, regular meat tenderizer, fingernail polish remover, lighter fluid, pressure bandages, oils, etc.

5. Caution on repellents.
The trials and history of Sea Safe have mixed results. Its duration in seawater is unknown and untested. It clearly works better on some people. For some it works very well. For others, it doesn't work at all. I have seen many of the worst stings I have seen on sting victims who used SS. Many folks swear by it. It is a clever idea, but most likely the effectiveness is more an individual thing. You may want to use a better sunblock under SS. To me, it is more of a "if the shoe fits, wear it" recommendation. DAN's good housekeeping seal of approval is premature or needs a note of personal caution/disclaimer.

BT folks. BT itself has proven to valuable science source regarding jelly research. Please continue to report jelly sightings and stings.

I am planning my 27th trip to Bonaire this year.

Bud

Mel,

I wasn't implying that BBB is the same animal as, or closely related to, C. flekeri, only asking if the present preferred treatment would be the same.

TKS. :–)

Bud,

Can you further define the 'Products (3) with proteolytic enzymes' for us. Are they usable by lay persons? Available to us?

Can you give us the same recommendations you sent BMP?

This info would at least make us better informed helpers, or victims.

By the way, Tish Dace has the best picture of BBB that I have seen during this discussion. I hope she will post it here.

Bud is right, vinegar is not necessarily the best choice for all species of jellys. But I thought we were only talking about "box jellys" and especially Carybdea. At least, that is the post I was responding to.

I appreciate Bud's more general and complete posting, but I hope it does not confuse people as to what to do if they get stung or as to what they might have with them on a shore dive. I'll be carrying a bottle of vinegar in the truck, and hope I don't run across a man-o-war!

- Mel

Thanks, Bud... I remember hearing that vinegar was not appropriate for one of the major jellies, and I couldn't remember which. Now I (well, and everyone else) know it's for the Man-o-war. Thanks again!!!

We were on the island Aug 5-19 and the day before the warning poster went out we saw one of the Bonaire Banded Box Jellys swimming away from the Buddy Dive dock as we were returning from a dive. It was right next to where a bunch of kids were jumping in the water from the dock. The next time I go back I will get a full length suit and not bring my shorty.

After all my dives on Bonaire...I can't remember seeing a jelly. I might need to pay more attention.

Lynn,

You may want to add a thin hood also. A head sting should very bad. And a hood cuts down on that '40% of bare body heat loss through the skull'.

I would believe that a skin would protect from direct stings. And I guess we all must be a little careful about what is on the outside of our suits and gear as we exit.

(Message edited by glenr on August 24, 2006)

Does anyone know how long the BBBJ have been there and are they expected to stay? Are they posting warnings throughout the island?

I have been diving for 12 years and jelly's are the only thing that would keep me out of water - and we're planning a trip to Bonaire next week. And this trip was for our 10 year anniversary so I'm a bit sad!

Good suggestion on the hood!! Never would have thought on my own!!

Tdonia,
Please don't let the BBBJ affect your dive vacation and your anniversary. Just dive with a full wetsuit and keep your eyes open. People would be shocked if they new what was in the sea watching them that they couldn't see! Our world is constantly changing and if we don't change with it we will surivle and die as a result... Ron

Tdonia,

Like the above poster said, I wouldn't worry about it too much. Only a few people have been stung over the past few weeks out of hundreds of people diving/swimming everyday. So it is safe to say that getting stung by one of these is rare.

I've been out diving a few times since this issue came up and I still just wear a tshirt and swim trunks. The only time I'm a bit worried is during the surface swim over the shallows. Just keep your eyes peeled and you shouldn't have too much to worry about.

Have a great anniversary!

will be snorkeling in bonaire next saturday for our 7th visit. usually reading the bt posts gets me psyched for our trip. these are making me apprehensive. will skins help at all?

As far as I know, skins *will* make a difference - as long as there's something between you and the jelly you should be ok. I don't think the nematocysts go very deep.

We'll be there in two weeks. I always wear a wetsuit, but I've picked up a hood from divegoddess.com (and with my pea-sized head I look really stupid in it, but what can you do?) and ordered that safesea stuff recommended on the DAN site, too. These jellies are making me nervous - I've gotten stung by those little things, but the BBJs are nass-tee!!

I hope they've died down by the time we get there.

Susan

Susan just hang around me if there are any, they always go for the biggest food source.LOL

I have to agree with Ron and Tim. I've heard from folks who live on Bonaire, and dive daily, and have yet to encounter them. I think if you are worried, you should watch out for those jelly string things that we encountered in July. Bud named them on another thread. they are strings about 4 inches long, and when they come in contact with the skin they sting. I wear a full 3mm with hood, so am not affected by them. I would flick them away if I saw one. My husband got stung on his arms on a couple of dives, but the welts were gone by the end of the day. Had he worn a skin, he would have been fine, but he is hot in one on Bonaire...lol!

So, just keep your eyes peeled...and enjoy your anniversay. The only instance of hospitalization on this board was one, and that was a couple of weeks ago...a snorkeler. I'd be more worried about the sea wasps 8-10 days after a full moon!

Hi everyone. Great information here. Looking forward to my first trip in Dec. Is there a particular time of year that jellies are more prevalent? Thanks in advance for replies!

I do believe there are certain jellies that can sting through a skin... but for the life of me I can't remember which ones (too much Discovery channel). It may have been the nasty Aussie box jellies. Hopefully Bud will chime in here and let us know. Not trying to be an alarmist, but forewarned IS forearmed!

On August 18th, Friday night, around 9pm I was swimming off the Bel-Mar dock and was stung by a box jellyfish. The pain and effects were amazing. My BP and pulse went way up, tremors, teeth chattering, sweating, and the feeling of someone taking a pin and piercing the skin in every possible place on the body. I stayed at the hospital until 6am. The pain stayed constant for about 12 hours. I am still very tired and I guess the red marks will stay awhile.
I was not wearing a wet suit and Bel-Mar only informed it's guests about the jellyfish by placing a small announcement at the office. If you had no business with them, you (me!) did not receive the information.
I will be diving there again, but much more aware. Does anyone have information about after effects (e.g. tiredness)?
thanks

What's funny - once I'm in the water, all the worries in life, including close encounters just seem to disappear (Unless it appears right in front of me - then yikes!!)!

Susan, I too will look like a pea-head in my hood, but the hood will pin back my big ears!!! Got to think positive!

Bonaire Stings.
What has been happening on Bonaire with jelly stings is quite a story due to the severity of the stings. Kerry's newly reported box jelly stings adds to earlier ones this month.

Many questions and requests for definitive solutions are being asked. Consensus for such solutions is lacking, even among experts. For example, there is an ongoing debate about use of cold vs. heat among high level scientists. High heat seems more effective, but can significantly increase local pain and increase the possibility of systemic problems due to vasodilation.

There is a debate about efficacy of jellyfish sting repellents with different species, including Man-O-War or Physalia (see below, article from JW Burnett, M.D., a leading jelly/toxin expert).

Some diveskins, gloves, and hoods work vs. some species. Some skins, though, work as "velcro" and have nematocysts adhere to them. Certainly wetsuits are more efficient.

Jellies Stings and Toxicology Studies Around the World.
If you are interested in more technical discussions of jelly stings around the world review the Jellyfish Sting Newsletter, hosted by the U of MD, School of Medicine. Published bi-annually.

MOW and SeaSafe Article.
Burnett JW. Lack of efficacy of a combination sunblock and “Jellyfish Sting Inhibitor” topical preparation against Physalia physalis. Dermatitis 2005, 8 (3), 151.

The combination sunscreen-topical anti skin preventive preparation was ineffective against a 6 second topical application of Physalia physalis tentacle to both volar forearms of a volunteer. The deep pain lasted 6 hours but the rash, piloerection and local sweating disappeared after 5 hours.

Happy Diving,
Bud

Kerry,
Thank you for your sting report. Did you see the animal that stung you? You had a severe sting that was quite traumatic for your body and body systems. It would be good to see your doctor to monitor your current condition and understanding potential future stings and potential reactions. Such strong toxins stay in the system for some time.

Bud

Lynn,
Do you remember the specific date of your box jelly sighting?

Bud

Bud,
Is this kind of thing cyclical? I remember some jellies in Bonaire around this time of year (Aug-Sep) before, but it seems like they are both more plentiful and some more painful this year...

Bud,

Thank you for the information. I have been searching the net for any information and am glad to have found this website. I will do a follow up with my doctor, though curious as to the amount of information he has.
I did not see the jellyfish. As I turned to go back to the dock, it swam between my legs and stung both inner thighs (ouch!).
The doctor told me it had to be the box because of the amount of meds I needed during the night. It took some time before the meds made any difference.
Thanks, Bud
kerry

we actually timed our trip around the full moon so as to avoid jelly fish. hope it makes a difference.

Susan,
Different jelly species are either seasonal, monthly, and native (always present). They are at the mercy of winds, currents, nutrient food sources, salinity, and predation. Many species bloom, swarm, and go-with-the-flow. Along with Carybdea alata (clear Bonaire box jelly also found in topics worldwide), now Australian experts have established that the tiny Irukanji (Carusia) box jelly swarms 8 - 10 days after full moons as well. Thankfully, this sometimes lethal Cubozoan jelly is not found in the Atlantic, though Irukanji Syndrome (caused by other toxic jellies) has been documented from stings off Key West, Cuba, and Guadelope.

My take on going to Bonaire is just that...go whenever you can and spend as much time in the water as you can. Anytime, anyway!

Bud

Thanks, Bud!
I agree - and that's what I plan on doing. I want to see the coral spawn, and I'm not going to let a few jellies get between me and those coral.

Susan, I'll be there for the Oct spawn, or are you there n Sept.? I've gathered a group as I'm solo, dear wife doesn't dive.

Hi Mike,
We're going in September, so we'll miss you. I'm sure you'll find people to dive with when you get there, though. Often there'll be a sign-up board for solos to meet up at the resorts.