Human envenomations caused by Portuguese man-of-war (Physalia physalis) in urban beaches of São Luis city, Maranhão State, Northeast Coast of Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: The clinical and epidemiological aspects associated with Portuguese man-of-war envenomation were investigated and characterized. Methods: Data from recorded envenomation events between 2005 and 2013 were provided by the GBMar (Group of Firemen Maritime of Maranhão State) and SEMUSC (Municipal Secretary of Security with Citizenship). Results: Most victims were children, and clinical manifestations included intense pain, edema, erythema, and rare systemic manifestations. Conclusions: The envenomation events were predictable and based on patterns involving multiple factors (environmental and/ or human behavior); however, the initially applied measures did not match the current recommendations of the Health Ministry of Brazil.