Russian Tourist Stung by Venomous 'Fire Jellyfish' on Phuket Beach

A 28-year-old Russian woman from Orenburg suffered severe burns after being stung by a venomous jellyfish at Patong Beach in Thailand, according to the Telegram channel Shot.

She was in the water with friends when she felt a sharp pain and looked down to find the jellyfish wrapped around her leg. No warning signs had been posted on the beach. Lifeguards examined the burn and called an ambulance, which took her to hospital. Despite an injection of painkillers and antihistamines, the pain had not eased two hours later. She has since been discharged with pain medication and advice to keep treating the burn.

The jellyfish was identified as Pelagia noctiluca, known locally as the "fire jellyfish." Its sting can trigger a severe allergic reaction, potentially leading to anaphylactic shock and loss of consciousness, and the marks take about two weeks to heal.

Thailand is currently seeing an influx of jellyfish, with unusually high numbers for October reported off Phuket and nearby islands, including species dangerous to humans. The Russian Union of Travel Industry, however, greeted those reports with skepticism, describing the current situation as a normal jellyfish season.