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Epidemiology of jellyfish stings reported to summer health centres in the Salento Peninsula (Italy)
De Donno, A.; Idolo, A.; Bagordo, F. (2009). Epidemiology of jellyfish stings reported to summer health centres in the Salento Peninsula (Italy). Contact Dermatitis 60(6): 330-335. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2009.01561.x
In: Contact Dermatitis: Environmental and Occupational Dermatitis. Wiley-Blackwell: Oxford. ISSN 0105-1873; e-ISSN 1600-0536, more
Peer reviewed article  

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Keywords
    Epidemiology
    Nematocysts
    Marine/Coastal
Author keywords
    Cutaneous reactions,; Jellyfish; Jellyfish stings;

Authors  Top 
  • De Donno, A.
  • Idolo, A.
  • Bagordo, F.

Abstract
    Background: The presence of jellyfish along coasts constitutes a potentially serious public health problem because of the toxic effects of contact with them.Objective: To determine the epidemiology of jellyfish stings in the Province of Lecce, Italy, in 2007.Methods: 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 Salento following contact with jellyfish.Results: In 2007, 446 bathers sought medical assistance following contact with jellyfish. The spatial distribution indicates a greater frequency of stings sustained along the Adriatic coast, while the time analysis shows patterns related to wind direction. Most of the injuries were seen in persons aged between 1 and 10 years and in females. In 24% of cases, injuries were sustained to several parts of the body, while single injuries were mainly to the lower limbs (33%). In 4.9% of cases, there were complications, including one case of anaphylactic shock.Conclusion: In the light of the significant level of medical assistance provided, there is a need to identify suitable strategies that will guarantee the best response in terms of both prevention and treatment.

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