The animal that put Chilean beaches on alert, what can it do to you if it touches you?

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The Regional Ministerial Secretariat of Health of the Coquimbo Region ordered the closure and prohibition of the entry of people to two important beaches in the area (Peñuelas and La Herradura) in the presence of a dangerous animal. The Portuguese frigates are the spice that has put these tourist spots in check.

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This animal is also known as the Portuguese caravel, Portuguese boat, bad water, blue bottle or false jellyfish. Its main characteristics include a float that can reach 20 centimeters and tentacles of up to 50 meters.

Portuguese man-of-war put Chilean beaches in check Photo: Reinhard Dirscherl/ullstein bild via Getty Images (ullstein bild/ullstein bild via Getty Images)

This species, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is one of the most dangerous on the planet, reaching the point of being deadly in extreme cases. Attention if at any time you get stung as these may be the symptoms.

  • rashes or edema
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • cramps or spasms
  • Confusion, headache, or dizziness
  • Bronchospasms, arrhythmia, or dyspnea

According to the media La TerceraIt is not recommended to touch this animal either in the sea or on the beach; they are toxic alive or dead.

Portuguese caravel put Chilean beaches in check

Portuguese man-of-war put Chilean beaches in check Photo: Wild Horizons/Universal Images Group via Getty Images (Wild Horizon/Universal Images Group via Getty)