Date:15/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/15/stories/2008071559991200.htm

National

Jellyfish sting sends 28 to hospital

Staff Reporter .

Mumbai: Twenty-eight people were brought to the Cooper Hospital here on Sunday after they were stung by jellyfish on the Juhu beach.

While 10, including six children, were admitted, the others were treated as outpatients. Deputy Medical Superintendent Dr. Urmila Garg said the condition of all the in-patients was stable.

The victims had developed red sores and felt a burning sensation on their hands and feet.

Thousands had come to the beach on Sunday and although the police warned them to stay away from the waters, many did not pay heed.

Police supervisor Anil Mangle at the Santa Cruz Police booth said such cases were common during the monsoon, especially in July, as the jellyfish come to the shore if the oxygen level in the water is less.

The Brihanmumbai ward office in the area was aware of the sting cases. An official said lifeguards alerted the people.

The jellyfish sting is poisonous but not fatal, said Dr. Garg.