The Portuguese Carabelas stung 29 people this weekend, and five were taken to the hospital

Portuguese carabelas are constantly reaching the beaches of Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa. Without going further, 29 people have been bittenthis weekend, five of whom have had to be transferred to health centres, as confirmed by the Department of Health of the Basque Government. In this context, the relief services have had to activate warning protocols on more than 15 beaches.

On Friday, July 17, the specimens appeared in La Arena (Muskiz-Zierbena), Ereaga, Azkorri-Gorrondatxe and Barinatxe (Getxo), as well as in Arrietara-Atxabiribil (Sopela). In total there were four punctures: one in La Arena, the second in Arrieta, another in Barinatxe and the last in Karraspio (Mendexa).

On Saturday, July 18, the carabelas spread to Barrika (Muriola), Ibarrangelu (￮

Yesterday, Sunday, the carabelas were seen in Plentzia, Gorliz, Aritzatzu (Bermeo), Bakio, Ean and Orio. Two punctures were recorded in Armintza (both were transferred to the health centre) and one case was reported in Laga, Azkorri, Barinatxe, Arrietara, La Arena, Karraspio, Ea, Isuntza, Zumaia and Orio.

The rescuers, according to the number of specimens detected, take different measures:

• Yellow flag and jellyfish icon: Megaphone warning for extreme caution in bathing.
• Red flag: Total ban on bathing in the sand for dangerous specimens.

The authorities remind Iwhen they should not be touched, even if they are dead. If they are bitten, they must immediately go to the relief post, clean the bitten area only with seawater (never sweet water), remove the remains of tentacles with tweezers and apply cold for five minutes with a plastic bag.