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Health Officials Warn Of Dangerous Jellyfish-Like Creature Off Jersey Shore Coast

BELMAR, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- With thousands of people visiting the Jersey Shore this weekend, health officials are urging swimmers to be on alert.

As CBS2's Christine Sloan reported, jellyfish-like creatures are out in force and poison control officials are sending out a warning to those venturing into the water.

Officials say swimmers should stay away from Portuguese man o' war. The sea creatures look similar to jellyfish, but each one is actually a colony of multiple creatures called zooids that are physically attached together.

And they have been spotted down the Jersey Shore, including in Harvey Cedars on Long Beach Island.

The Portuguese man o' war look pretty, but pack a painful sting.

"It's just strange. The waters don't feel as safe as they used to," said Flemington resident Katy Edelmann.

Experts say what makes them creepy is that they travel in large numbers and tend to wrap their tentacles around their victims.

They're considered more menacing than sharks because, according to experts, they're more of a chance you'll come across them.

Still, families are worried about sharks.

"It scares me to go in the water now because sharks, that's kind of scary," said Marlboro resident Samantha Scwartz.

A couple of weeks ago, a fisherman spotted a great white shark about 45 miles south of Jones Beach.

Last month, another shark named Mary Lee was tracked north of Seaside Heights.

"You certainly think twice about going in the water, but you just have to be cautious," said Adam Scwartz.

The Portuguese man o' war haven't been seen in Belmar, and their sting is rarely fatal, but experts say drownings have been reported because being stung can make swimming back to shore difficult, Sloan reported.

Many on the beach Thursday said they won't be going too deep into the ocean.

"I figure I can see the bottom, so if there is some sort of fish there, I can see it," said Brad Feinstein.

Experts say the best way to protect yourself this holiday weekend is to keep a close eye on your surroundings.

Portuguese man o' war stings leave welts on the skin. In extreme cases their venom can lead to shock, fever and respiratory problems.

Poison control said residents should immediately report encounters or sightings of the cnidarians.

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