Experts reaffirm vinegar use after CamSur jellyfish sting

By Ryan Mostar

SIRUMA, Camarines Sur --- In the wake of a recent box jellyfish sting fatality in the coastal town of Siruma, marine safety advocates are urging the public to be more informed and prepared when heading to the beach, especially during peak jellyfish season.

The Philippine Jellyfish Stings Project, a national initiative closely monitoring jellyfish sting incidents and advocating for proper response protocols, reiterated that vinegar remains one of the most effective immediate treatments for jellyfish stings in tropical regions such as the Philippines.

“Vinegar is one of the first-aid solutions that we have in the immediate treatment of jellyfish stings, not oil,” the group said in a public advisory. “Although vinegar is not a ‘silver bullet,’ there are an overwhelming number of scientific studies and field experiences showing its effectiveness in minimizing the venom's impact and reducing further envenomation.”

This advisory comes after a box jellyfish sting claimed the life of a 10-year-old and injured another in Siruma on Friday, April 25, which shocked the local community and brought renewed attention to the presence of dangerous jellyfish species, such as the box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri), in the coastal waters of Camarines Sur and nearby provinces. Box jellyfish venom is known to act quickly, and proper first-aid measures can play a critical role in improving survival outcomes.

Local officials in Siruma and surrounding coastal municipalities are now considering increased educational campaigns, the installation of warning signs in high-risk beaches, and the inclusion of vinegar in public first-aid kits at resorts and barangay health centers.

BFAR-Bicol Supports Vinegar-Based First Aid

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in the Bicol Region has previously issued similar advisories. In a 2023 public statement, BFAR-Bicol reminded residents and tourists to rinse sting sites with vinegar for at least 30 seconds if stung by a jellyfish. According to the agency, vinegar (acetic acid) helps deactivate the stinging cells (nematocysts) that may still be embedded in the skin, preventing further venom release.

BFAR also warned against popular but harmful myths, such as the use of freshwater, urine, or alcohol to treat jellyfish stings. These substances can actually trigger the remaining nematocysts to discharge more venom, potentially worsening the injury.

A Growing Concern for Coastal Communities

Jellyfish sightings tend to increase during the hot and dry months, when ocean temperatures rise and jellyfish move closer to shore to feed and reproduce. This makes towns along the Ragay Gulf and San Miguel Bay—including Siruma, Tinambac, and Caramoan—more vulnerable to sting incidents during the summer.

In recent years, fisherfolk, divers, and beachgoers have reported sporadic sightings of box jellyfish and other stinging species such as the Pelagia noctiluca (commonly known as the mauve stinger). However, limited public knowledge on how to properly respond to stings remains a major issue.

Recommended First-Aid Steps

According to the Philippine Jellyfish Stings Project and global health experts, the proper first-aid treatment for a jellyfish sting is as follows:

1.Immediately rinse the affected area with vinegar for at least 30 seconds. This prevents further venom discharge.

2.Do not use fresh water, urine, or alcohol, as these may worsen the sting.

3.Use tweezers or the edge of a card to carefully remove any visible tentacles.

4.Soak the affected area in hot water (around 40–45°C) for 20 to 45 minutes to relieve pain and help neutralize toxins.

5.Seek medical attention immediately, especially for severe stings, symptoms of difficulty breathing, or cases involving children.

Preparing the Public

Health officials and local governments in Camarines Sur are now encouraging families planning to swim or fish in coastal waters to carry a small bottle of vinegar, particularly when visiting areas known for jellyfish presence.

The Philippine Jellyfish Stings Project continues to update the public via social media, sharing sting alerts, educational posters, and community reports from around the country. The group also encourages communities to report incidents to help build a more accurate database of jellyfish sting cases in the Philippines.

“Preparedness can save lives,” the group emphasized. “With the right information and response tools, fatalities from jellyfish stings are preventable.”