9-year old boy dies after getting stung by jellyfish

A nine-year-old boy died after he got stung by a box jellyfish while swimming in a beach resort in Tagkawayan, Quezon over the weekend, an exclusive report on GMA's "24 Oras" said.

The incident happened Saturday where a jellyfish attacked the victim Chris Jay dela Rosa who got stung in the waist and legs. He reportedly died while he was being rushed to a hospital in Naga City, which is over 2 hours away from Tagkawayan.

According to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), a type of box jellyfish stung the child and released deadly toxins.

The family of the victim is blaming the owners of the resort where the incident happened, citing the lack of protective nets and signages to warn the public of jellyfish. 

The resort owner, however, said that they have warned guests of the presence of jellyfish in the area. They said they're also willing to help the family financially.

"Lagi naman handa kaming tumulong. Lahat yan talaga bago sila lumusong diyan, pagkadating dating palang, pinaalalahan na namin dahil ang salabay talaga hindi nawawala 'yan sa dagat," the resort owner said.

Despite the incident, beachgoers continue to swim in the area. A cross has since been erected where the boy was last seen playing. His cousin, Virgilio, was also stung on the feet but has already been treated.

For its part, the Tagkawayan District Hospital told the public not to panic in case they are stung by jellyfish.

Dr. Sunshine Heraña said the stung area should not be washed with fresh water but instead brushed off with sand. They may also pour calamansi, flour, or vinegar on the area and then be brought to the nearest hospital.

A similar incident happened in the same barangay on May 22, 2015, causing the death of an 11-year old boy. — Hero Peewee Bacuño, Jon Viktor Cabuenas/APG, GMA News