Beware the clinging jellyfish, Zeeland authorities warn

The provincial authorities in Zeeland are warning holidaymakers about the presence of Japanese clinging jellyfish in the Veerse Meer and the Grevelingenmeer lakes.

The tiny invasive species was spotted almost a month before it usually puts in an appearance, the province said. When it comes in contact with the skin, the jellyfish can cause itching and a rash. People who are allergic can present more severe symptoms.

The Veerse Meer has been home to the jellyfish for over 10 years and was first found in the Grevelingenmeer last year.

Warning signs have been placed at official swimming sites at the Veerse Meer, such as Wolphaartsdijk and Kortgene. Swimmers are advised not to swim through seaweed  which may contain jellyfish.

Health risks for swimmers in open water also include the nausea-inducing blue algae and razor-sharp Japanese oysters. Swimmers can get the latest information on water quality on monitoring website zwemwater.nl and can turn for advice to the water boards’ Zwemwaterapp.