Jellyfish sting (ICD-10-GM T63.6. Toxic effect of contact with other marine animals. Incl: Jellyfish, shellfish, sea anemone) can cause varying degrees of skin reactions and pain.
Jellyfish, also called medusae or medusa (pl. medusae; medusae) in scientific parlance, are marine animals belonging to the group of cnidarians (Cnidaria; ancient Greek κνίδη knidē ‘nettle‘). They have stinging cells (cnidarian capsules) on their tentacles that are used to catch prey or for defense.
Mild intoxication (poisoning) is possible from stings of Mediterranean jellyfish (fire and luminous jellyfish) and North and Baltic Sea jellyfish (hair or stinging nettle jellyfish). Note: Anaphylaxis (potentially life-threatening systemic immune reaction) is possible with all jellyfish species!
In the case of stings by the Portuguese galleon (Physalia physalis), the nettling is accompanied by severe pain. For healthy adults, the “burns” do not lead to danger to life, but for weakened patients or for allergic persons, there is a risk of anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal.
In case of stings by the cube jellyfish (Cubomedusae; synonym: sea wasp), severe intoxications (poisoning) may occur: Cardiovascular disorders (possibly also with heart failure; death usually within 30 min).
Geographical distribution of jellyfish see below “Etiology (causes)”.
Course and prognosis: The course and prognosis depend on the type of jellyfish and the patient’s state of health.
A physician should be alerted immediately if the following symptoms occur: Jellyfish stings caused by the Portuguese jellyfish, the cube jellyfish, and jellyfish stings that cause severe discomfort or signs of allergic shock are evident.
Note: There have been no fatal jellyfish accidents in Europe in recent decades.
