Envenomation Story: Surviving a Poisonous Fish Sting in Mauritius

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a personal account of envenomation from a masouran (Plotosus lineatus) sting while fishing in Mauritius. The individual experienced severe pain, swelling, and cramps, leading to an emergency hospital visit where painkillers proved ineffective. A quick surgical intervention provided relief, and the individual emphasized the importance of wearing protective footwear in tropical environments to avoid similar incidents. The conversation also touches on the dangers of other venomous creatures, including stonefish and lionfish.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of marine biology, specifically venomous fish species.
  • Knowledge of first aid procedures for envenomation.
  • Familiarity with emergency medical response protocols.
  • Awareness of tropical environmental hazards.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the first aid treatment for marine stings, focusing on effective pain relief methods.
  • Learn about the biology and habitat of Plotosus lineatus and other venomous fish.
  • Investigate the surgical procedures commonly used for treating severe envenomations.
  • Explore safety measures for beach activities in tropical regions, including protective gear recommendations.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for outdoor enthusiasts, marine biologists, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in safety measures while engaging in water activities in tropical environments.

geoffrey159
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I spent my holidays in Mauritius island (indian ocean) and was fishing with cousins living here when I got stung several times by a poisonous fish in the foot. I felt a fast growing pain, was sweating and feeling dizzy, and by the time I reached my cousins on the beach, I started to have unbearable cramps in my foot and leg.

What happened next is a little foggy in my mind. I was absolutely conscious but so focused on pain that I skipped a lot of what happened.

They told me that they boiled water in secret and poured it on the stings. They said I did not even notice the burn and that I thought it was just warm water. It eased the pain 30 seconds.
A few minutes later the color of my foot grew purple/black. They grew really worry and rushed me to the hospital. The doctors injected me something in the hand that made the veins in my foot swell a lot, I don't know what it was but if you know tell me please.

They then made me wait in a treatment room, but could not stay in place on the bed, it was atrocious. They prepared me for perfusion but by the time the nurse came back I had torn off everything, don't ask me why I don't know. The injected painkillers were completely ineffective, it put me to sleep 1 minute. My cousins told me I started shaking from head to toes, but I never noticed that.

Then I remember I had a quick surgery, they did not bother giving me anesthesia and I did not feel anything beside a gentle tickling. I remember literally begging the surgeon to let me move my leg, but after that, it was immediate relief. Surgery was the only thing that relieved the pain. It remained painful all night, but manageable. The next morning I was fine, but my feet had tripled volume, and had a load of medicines to take for a week.

So be careful where you walk on the beach, in particular in tropical countries, wear shoes.
 
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Oh I know the culprit, it was a masouran (or plotosus lineatus), which is a sort of small catfish. It is cute and peaceful, but its sting is very painful
 
What are your stories/experiences with venomous creatures ?
 
geoffrey159 said:
What are your stories/experiences with venomous creatures ?

I'm afraid the worst I've ever encountered are wasps. I was stung through my shirt once. I immediately conceded defeat and ran away in shame, leaving the wasp to revel in its victory.
 
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Drakkith said:
I'm afraid the worst I've ever encountered are wasps. I was stung through my shirt once. I immediately conceded defeat and ran away in shame, leaving the wasp to revel in its victory.

Hehehe that's funny lol.
But more seriously, wasps can be deadly to allergic people.
 

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