MIAMI (CBSMiami) – It’s that time of year again.
As beachgoers flock to Miami-Dade and Broward beaches during Spring Break, lifeguard stands across South Florida are flying purple flags to alert them of the presence of Portuguese man-of-war.
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They usually arrive in the winter and spring, drifting at the mercy of wind-driven ocean currents.
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Some may be tempted to pick up the blue ballon-looking sea creatures but that would be ill-advised.
Man-of-war, closely related to jellyfish, have tentacles that are barbed with a sting that can typically cause painful welts lasting for days. In some cases, the sting can cause an allergic reaction and in rare cases, heart failure.
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Even when washed up on the sand the stings still contain venom.
