An outbreak of Portuguese man-of-war (Physalia physalis - Linnaeus, 1758) envenoming in Southeastern Brazil

Author(s)

Haddad Junior, Vidal ^[1] ; Virga, Rossana ^[2] ; Bechara, Adriano ^[3] ; da Silveira, Fabio Lang ^[4] ; Morandini, Andre Carrara ^[4]

Affiliation

^[1] UNESP, FMB, Dept Dermatol Radioterapia, BR-1861800 Botucatu, SP - Brazil

^[2] Aquario Guaruja, Guaruja, SP - Brazil

^[3] Secretaria Saude, Praia Grande, SP - Brazil

^[4] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biociencias, Dept Zool, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical; v. 46, n. 5, p. 641-644, SEP-OCT 2013.
• Web of Science Citations: 12

Abstract

Introduction: Portuguese man-of-war, Physalia physalis (Linnaeus, 1758), are cnidarians capable of discharging intracellular organelles filled with venom, resulting in severe envenomation in humans. Methods: We report the clinical and therapeutic aspects of 331 accidents involving Portuguese man-of-war in an outbreak on the coast of the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Results: The clinical manifestations of envenomation were rare and mild and mostly local, systemic reactions; there was a low rate of late complications. Conclusions: The consequences of envenomation were of moderate severity, and first aid measures were effective in controlling the pain. Outbreaks of accidents involving Portuguese man-of-war occur periodically in the area without a clear explanation. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/50174-7 - Systematics, life cycle and reproductive patterns of jellyfishes (Cnidaria: Medusozoa: Cubozoa and Scyphozoa) in the Baixada Santista (São Paulo, Brazil)
• Grantee: André Carrara Morandini
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Regular Research Grants