Warning for Irish beachgoers over hidden fish with venomous fins that cause intense pain & can send you to hospital
With the
Despite thousands of beachgoers set to reach the
The Weeverfish is common on
However, the fish is different compared to most fish as it doesn't have a swim bladder, meaning they sink to the bottom as soon as they stop
And they are difficult to spot as they spend most of their time buried under the sand.
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The poisonous fish have sharp spines containing venom on their dorsal fin.
So if you accidentally step on one before spotting it in time, you will be experiencing intense pain that will occur in the first two hours.
The pain will be immediate, resulting in swelling, numbness and warmth.
People who have accidentally stepped on the Weeverfish are urged to seek assistance from a lifeguard if available or call the National Poisons Information Centre of Ireland (NPIC) on 01 8092166.
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They are encouraged to submerge the affected limb or wound in hot water, as hot as can be tolerated, for up to 90 minutes or until the pain eases.
As the sting can result in numbness, immerse the unaffected limb as well, which may prevent inadvertent scalding.
Avoid using cold applications, as they may worsen the discomfort.
Paracetamol can be considered to relieve pain if approved by the NPIC or doctors
PAIN KILLER ALERT
Care should be taken when pain relief is given that thermal burns do not occur due to the effects of the pain killer masking the temperature of the water used.
The affected site should be examined, and embedded spines should be removed.
Temperatures could hit 28C this weekend, with Ireland's beaches expected to be packed as thousands flock to the seaside for a cooling dip.
Friday is currently forecast to be the hottest day of the week, with temperatures expected to blaze between 22C and 28C.
A "very warm or hot continental airmass" will feed up across Ireland with sunny conditions occurring widely.
The second hottest day of the week will be Thursday, another dry day for most with warm spells of sunshine.
Temperatures will reach highs of 21C to 26C in just light southwest or variable breezes.
1
Weeverfish can sting you with venom if not spotted in time
Credit: Getty Images - Getty
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