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Men o' war wash up on Texas shore

BROWNSVILLE, Texas, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Portuguese men o' war have washed up on Texas beaches, prompting warnings for beach-goers from environmental officials.

The jellyfish-like creatures have been spotted on at least six beaches along the southernmost tip of the Texas coast, the Brownsville Herald said Monday. They are identified by a gas-filled pink and purple bladder above long, venomous tentacles that, if touched, will cause a painful sting and welts on humans.

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Officials said the men o' war wash up seasonally and if stung people are advised to rinse the wound with salt water for 15 to 20 minutes. Fresh water tends to make the welts worse, they said.

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