A Case of a Portuguese Man-O-War Envenomation in Southern Rhode Island

Authors

Sean Bilodeau, Department of Emergency Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine-Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME.
Teresa Howard, University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Biddeford, ME.
Alexis S. Kearney, Department of Emergency Medicine, Warren Alpert School of Medicine of Brown University, Providence, RI.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-2-2025

Institution/Department

Emergency Medicine

Journal Title

Rhode Island medical journal (2013)

MeSH Headings

Humans; Rhode Island; Male; Adolescent; Animals; Bites and Stings (therapy); Hydrozoa; Emergency Medical Services

Abstract

We present the case of a 16-year-old patient who was stung by a Portuguese Man-O-War (Physalia physalis) in southern Rhode Island (RI) while surfing. P. physalis are not typically found in southern RI waters and envenomations are rare. Emergency medical services (EMS) are often the first clinicians to arrive on scene following an injury and are crucial to alleviating the immediate pain and long-term consequences of P. physalis envenomations. RI state decontamination and treatment protocols for P. physalis envenomations differ from national guidelines. Notably, RI EMS protocols recommend dousing the affected area with vinegar, contrary to national EMS protocols and research studies which indicate that the application of vinegar may increase nematocyst discharge. We examine the current literature for the decontamination and treatment of Portuguese Man-O-War envenomation and provide guidance for treatment of envenomated patients.

First Page

45

Last Page

48

Recommended Citation

Bilodeau, Sean; Howard, Teresa; and Kearney, Alexis S., "A Case of a Portuguese Man-O-War Envenomation in Southern Rhode Island" (2025). MaineHealth Maine Medical Center. 4016.
https://knowledgeconnection.mainehealth.org/mmc/4016