Jellyfish are sea creatures that have a nearly see-through (transparent) body with long finger-like structures called tentacles. Stinging cells inside the tentacles can hurt you if you come in contact with them. Some stings can cause serious harm.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Jellyfish venom

Types of jellyfish include:

• Lion's mane (Cyanea capillata)
• Portuguese man-of-war (Physalia physalis)
• Sea nettle (Chrysaora quinquecirrha), one of the most common jellyfish found along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts
• Sea wasp (Chironex fleckeri, Chiropsalmus quadrigatus), found near the coasts of northern Australia and the Philippines

Note: This list is not all inclusive.

Portuguese man-of-war:

• Abdominal pain
• Changes in pulse
• Chest pain
• Collapse
• Headache
• Muscle pain and muscle spasms
• Numbness and weakness
• Pain in the arms or legs
• Raised red spot where stung
• Runny nose and watery eyes
• Swallowing difficulty
• Sweating

Sea wasp:

• Breathing difficulty
• Nausea and vomiting
• Severe pain and swelling
• Slow heart beat
• Skin tissue death

Lion's mane:

• Breathing difficulty
• Muscle cramps
• Skin burning and blistering (severe)

Sea nettle

• Mild skin rash (with mild stings)
• Muscle cramps and breathing difficulty (with extensive contact)