Human envenomations caused by Portuguese man-of-war (Physalia physalis) in urban beaches of São Luis City, Maranhão State, Northeast Coast of Brazil

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION:

The clinical and epidemiological aspects associated with Portuguese man-of-war envenomation were investigated and characterized.

METHODS:

Data from recorded envenomation events between 2005 and 2013 were provided by the GBMar (Group of Firemen Maritime of Maranhão State) and SEMUSC (Municipal Secretary of Security with Citizenship).

RESULTS:

Most victims were children, and clinical manifestations included intense pain, edema, erythema, and rare systemic manifestations.

CONCLUSIONS:

The envenomation events were predictable and based on patterns involving multiple factors (environmental and/or human behavior); however, the initially applied measures did not match the current recommendations of the Health Ministry of Brazil.

Keywords:
Dangerous marine animals; Cnidarians; Bites and stings