Portuguese man-of-war spotted on Indian River County beaches March 5, 2017.(Photo: ELLIOTT JONES\/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS)Buy Photo <\/p>\n
Strong winds are washing Portuguese man-of-warashore in Indian River and St. Lucie countiesSunday, prompting officials to issue warnings at the beaches, a St. Lucie County official said Sunday. <\/p>\n
Purple flags, signifying Portuguese man-of-war, are flying, along with red flags for the rough surf at Pepper and Waveland parks in St. Lucie County, said county spokesman Erick Gill. <\/p>\n
Purple flags also are flying at Vero Beach's Humiston Beach, according to the National Weather Service, Melbourne. <\/p>\n
Tentacles of jellyfish-like Portuguese man-of-war can produce painful stings days after they wash ashore, said Indian River County lifeguard Eric Toomsoo. <\/p>\n
Winds brought Portuguese man-of-war onto beaches and rough surf March 5, 2017.(Photo: ELLIOTT JONES\/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS) <\/p>\n
On Sunday, the National Weather Service issued a warning for large breaking waves and rip currents that will create hazardous swimming conditions until the early evening. <\/p>\n
\"Heavy breaking waves could knock you down,\" according to the service's warning that extends to lakes where waves could overturn small boats. Waves up to 6 feet tall have been reported. <\/p>\n
Winds Sunday have been gusting to 30 mph and are forecast to continue gusting to about 25 mph Monday and Tuesday, before diminishing to 5 mph Wednesday, according to forecasters. <\/p>\n
Portuguese man-of-war could continue to wash ashore as long as the strong winds continue, Gill said. <\/p>\n
\"Beachgoers may experience jellyfish on the beaches for the next few days.\" <\/p>\n
As Nevada resident Lisa Michaels looked at a washed up man-of-warby the Ocean Grill in Vero Beach Sunday, she remembered being stung by one in Fort Lauderdale when she was 8. She picked up what she thought was a bag in the water. <\/p>\n
\"I ran crying out of the water. I wailed,\" Michaels said.Now her advice to others is to not pick up unknown things floating in the surf. <\/p>\n
Portuguese man-of-war: Also called bluebottle jellyfish, Portuguese man-of-war jellyfish live mostly in warmer seas. This type has a blue or purplish gas-filled bubble that keeps it afloat on the water and acts as a sail. <\/p>\n
Sign\/Symptoms of sting <\/p>\n
Severe jellyfish stings can affect multiple body systems. These reactions may appear rapidly or several hours after the stings. <\/p>\n
Treatment Seek emergency treatment if: <\/p>\n
Most jellyfish stings can be treated by rinsing the area with salt water, applying vinegar or a baking soda paste, and taking a pain reliever. <\/p>\n
Source: Mayo Clinic <\/p>\n
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