Just when you thought 2020 couldn’t get any more bizarre, the National Weather Service issues a warning to beachgoers to be on the lookout for an influx of man o’ war jellyfish on the coasts of North & South Carolina—with SIXTEEN FEET LONG TENTACLES!
Apparently, there are different species of jellyfish (who knew?), and different species’ stings affect you differently. Symptoms of a man o’ war sting include severe shooting pain similar to an electric shock, severe muscle & joint pain, headaches, shock, chills, fever, nausea and vomiting.
Many beaches, including Myrtle Beach, are placing purple flags along the coastlines to warn beachgoers that the dangerous aquatic creatures have been spotted in the area.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources has detailed information on different jellyfish and what to do in case of a sting here.