THE southern part of Tumon Bay was closed off to the public after reports of wasp jellyfish making their way into the area.
Department of Parks and Recreation Director Pete Calvo said they shut down the beach areas between Hilton Resort and Spa, Gov. Joseph Flores Memorial Beach Park, and the Pacific Islands Club. The beach areas from PIC up north towards the Westin hotel are not affected.
“We had five incidents of encounters. A couple of tourists who were injured had some vinegar applied to their stings. It was not serious. But we don’t want anyone who may be allergic to this type of sting to be exposed,” he said.
The five cases were confirmed to have occurred at Gov. Joseph Flores Memorial Beach Park.
The creatures are believed to have entered when it was high tide, Calvo said.
Lifeguards continue to monitor the beach and Calvo said they will make an assessment to determine if they can open the affected beach area today.
“If we find that the jellyfish have not moved on, then we’ll close the areas again. But we’ll play it by ear,” he said.
The wasp jellyfish, also referred to as the box jellyfish, carry venom known to cause serious pain to people. Once the tentacles come in contact with human skin, they tend to stick.
It is recommended not to remove them while the creature is alive due to the release of more toxins. If the sting is not treated right away, it can leave a scar.
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