Health impact determined by jellyfish outbreaks along the coast of Salento (Italy)

The aim of the present study was to determine the epidemiology of jellyfish stings in the Province of Lecce (Italy) in the bathing seasons of years 2007-2011, in order to estimate the presence of these organisms along the coast of the Salento and assess its socio-health implications. The study involved the gathering and processing of data on patients seeking medical treatment at summer first aid centres and hospitals along the coast of the Salento following contact with jellyfish. The analysis of reports showed that in the period 2007-2011 1733 stung bathers sought medical assistance, accounting for 3% of all medical services provided at first aid centres. In addition, jellyfish stings were observed to be the main cause of human pathologies arising from contact with marine organisms. 25.7% of total cases were reported in summer 2007, 22.5% in 2008, 24.7% in 2009, 17.6% in 2010 and 9.5% in 2011. The spatial distribution indicates a greater frequency of stings sustained along the Adriatic coast (65%); this trend is related to wind direction. Most of the injuries were seen in persons aged between 1 and 10. In the majority of cases the symptoms were not severe, being confined to local and cutaneous reactions. In 8.7% of cases however, there were complications, mainly allergic reactions (6.2%). The main drugs used are corticosteroids, locally applied and systemic (46% and 43%, respectively), while non-pharmacological treatments mainly consisted of rinsing with ammonia (74%). In the five-year period under study, an average of 8.1 cases/km of coastline was recorded, ranging from a maximum of 18.4 cases/km along the Adriatic coast to a minimum of 2.6 cases/km on the Lower Ionian, with an estimated cost of the health services provided of about 391,658 Euros. Overall, a slightly decreasing trend of jellyfish stings was observed from 2007 to 2011 along the coasts of Salento. Nevertheless, in the light of the significant economic costs and the socio-health impact reported in this study and given the importance of the bathing tourism in the Salento, there is a need to identify suitable strategies that will guarantee the best response in terms of both prevention and treatment.