Beachgoers along the US East Coast are facing an unprecedented jellyfish invasion this summer, with sightings surging in states including Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts and Maine. Experts attribute the boom to higher temperatures and increased rainfall, which have created ideal breeding conditions.
Jonathan Cohen, a marine science professor at the University of Delaware, described the situation as the worst he has ever seen. “To have this many for as long as we’ve had them is rare,” he told The Washington Post. The surge has led to a sharp rise in stings; Lewes Beach in Delaware reported a fourfold increase in July compared to the previous year.
While most stings are minor, medical experts advise seeking immediate help if symptoms such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, or chest pain occur. Treatment includes rinsing the affected area with vinegar or ocean water, and applying antihistamine or steroid creams after soaking in hot water for 20–40 minutes.
Despite the invasion, lifeguards and experts say swimmers need not avoid beaches entirely, as sightings are expected to decline with cooler temperatures. Hurricane Erin, which battered the coast earlier this month, also helped disperse some jellyfish. Meanwhile, a similar swarm forced a temporary shutdown of a nuclear power station in France after jellyfish clogged its cooling system.
