Easter vacation has already begun, and one of the best plans is to get away to the beaches of Puerto Vallarta. However, you should take precautions, as a purple flag has been raised due to the presence of the jellyfish.
This weekend, right at the start of Easter vacation, Puerto Vallarta Civil Protection and Firefighters warned of the presence of the jellyfish known as the jellyfish on some beaches, so they decided to raise a purple flag to warn beachgoers and prevent them from swimming.
This Sunday marks the third day that authorities from the Puerto Vallarta Civil Protection and Fire Department have raised the purple flag at various points along the coast, particularly in front of the Icon Vallarta condominiums in the North Hotel Zone.
Authorities confirmed the appearance of the Portuguese man-of-war (Physalia physalis), also known as the Portuguese jellyfish, which can be very dangerous for swimmers.
What does the purple flag on the beach mean, and why is the jellyfish dangerous?
The purple flag, which was placed in Puerto Vallarta, is an international signal indicating the presence of dangerous marine fauna, meaning that entering the sea in designated areas is strictly prohibited.
Although a massive jellyfish invasion has not been reported, authorities emphasize that their mere presence poses a danger, as their tentacles can cause painful skin burns, especially in children, the elderly, or those with sensitive skin.
A jellyfish sting can cause paralysis and difficulty breathing, cardiac arrhythmias, and even death, especially if the victim suffers a severe allergic reaction or goes into anaphylactic shock.
Unlike other species, these creatures do not swim on their own, but are carried by the wind and currents, making it difficult to predict their presence at sea.
In response to this situation, Puerto Vallarta Civil Protection has activated a security operation that includes continuous monitoring of various beaches in the Jalisco municipality, such as the Las Palmas Hotel, to determine if the phenomenon has spread to other areas.
Civil Protection urges both residents and tourists to avoid entering the sea where the purple flag is in force, and to stay informed through official channels. In case of contact with a jellyfish, it is recommended that you immediately go to the nearest medical center to receive timely treatment.
Source: msn
