A sea lice outbreak has hit the Florida coast, the tiny, stinging jellyfish larvae are invading swimsuits.
The young insects cause an itchy rash, also known as “sea bather’s eruption,” according to The Christian Science Monitor. Cases are being reported in higher numbers than usual, along the Florida coast and throughout the Gulf of Mexico.
Undetectable to swimmers, the jellyfish are about the size of a ground pepper speck. While, the rash the pests cause is temporary, some severe cases can cause flu-like symptoms, ABC News reported. The creatures sting when they get trapped in between beachgoers skin and bathing suits, which becomes noticeable hours after the affected swimmer has left the water.
The jellyfish live in warm oceans from the Caribbean into the Gulf of Mexico and are most common in places like Palm Beach County and Northern Broward County, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Officials have warned beachgoers of sea lice infestations with signs and purple flags.
The rashes caused by the sea pests have serval names including beach lice, pika-pika, and ocean itch, according to CNN. Children and surfers have a higher risk of being infected, and those with allergies or weak immune systems are more likely to experience the more severe reactions.
