The bluebottle epidemic: How over 13,000 people have been stung by jellyfish this week - as lifeguards rubbish a popular remedy
- More than 13,000 people have been treated for bluebottle stings in Queensland
- In the past weekend alone more than 2630 people were stung on the Gold Coast
- Queensland Ambulance said vinegar should not be used on bluebottle stings
- Surf Life Saving duty officer Jeremy Sturges described the event as an 'epidemic'
More than 13,000 people have been treated for bluebottle stings on the Gold and Sunshine coasts in Queensland as the jellyfish swarm beaches in record numbers.
In the past weekend alone more than 2630 people were stung, with several suffering anaphylactic shock and treated by paramedics.
Almost 1000 people were hurt in a matter of hours on Sunday afternoon, with 476 bluebottle stings treated on the Gold Coast and another 461 on the Sunshine Coast.
More than 13,000 people have been treated for bluebottle stings on the Gold and Sunshine coasts in Queensland as the jellyfish swarm beaches in record numbers
Lifesavers have been forced to close a number of beaches including Coolangatta and Northcliffe after the influx
In total, paramedics in the region treated around 13,000 stings.
Queensland Ambulance took to social media to dispel a myth behind a widely believed treatment of bluebottle stings.
'Avoid using vinegar if it's clearly a bluebottle sting,' they wrote on Twitter.
'If you're stung by a bluebottle try and pick off the tentacles with a towel or other object, rinse the area with seawater, place the affected area in warm water and, if needed, apply ice packs.'
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This man said the bluebottles decided to 'give him a hug' in the water as they wrapped themselves around his shoulder, leaving nasty raised bumps
Almost 1000 people were hurt in a matter of hours on Sunday afternoon, with 476 bluebottle stings treated on the Gold Coast and another 461 on the Sunshine Coast
Surf Life Saving duty officer Jeremy Sturges described the event as an 'epidemic'.
'I have never seen anything like this - ever,' Mr Sturges said.
'Not everyone reacts the same way but there have been very serious reactions.'
Unusually strong northeasterly swell conditions pushed the bluebottles onshore where they are currently clumped in their thousands along the shoreline.
Unusually strong northeasterly swell conditions pushed the bluebottles onshore where they are currently clumped in their thousands along the shoreline
Lifesavers have been forced to close a number of beaches including Coolangatta and Northcliffe after the influx.
Mr Sturges warned it was not just swimmers at risk with the jellyfish stranded along the tide lines still very much alive.
'People have been hurt as they just walk along the shoreline. Don't pick it up, don't walk on it or you will be stung.'
Surf Life Saving Queensland said that if stung, remove stingers, take a very hot shower and apply ice.
Surf Life Saving Queensland said that if stung, remove stingers, take a very hot shower and apply ice
