The Associated Press
Sunday, December 30, 2007; 1:14 PM

SAO PAULO, Brazil -- Swarms of jellyfish stung nearly 300 swimmers
looking to cool off from a heat wave in a southeastern beach city,
Brazilian media reported Sunday.

At least 15 people including children and teenagers were treated in
Praia Grande for severe stings, doctor Adriano Bechara told the Tribuna
newspaper, though their lives were not in danger.

Fire Capt. Atila Gregorio Ribeiro Pereira said the jellyfish were
Portuguese man-of-war, which have long tentacles but are not too
dangerous unless the victim has an allergic reaction, according to the
Folha online news service.

Many of the injured arrived at medical centers Friday and Saturday
crying from the pain of the stings, paramedic Claudio Casadei told
Tribuna. Most were treated and released.

Authorities blamed an extreme heat wave over the southeastern region for
the swarm in the shallow waters off Praia Grande.

Hundreds of thousands of Brazilians flock to the country's beaches every
year during the holiday season.

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites