From WPBF 25 News: Fireworms on Florida shores can cause painful sting

“If you're stuck by them, if you happen to touch them or they brush against you, then they do release this toxin, and it is a very painful sting,” Dr. Jason Sevald, an emergency room doctor at #PalmBeachGardensMedicalCenter, said.

Sevald said in addition to pain, the sting can cause nausea and diarrhea as well, but he said stings are rare because they’re mostly active at night.

“With our habit of protecting coral and not touching it, that keeps us naturally safe from touching them because they're usually kind of hidden within the coral. But if you are out there at dusk or at night, or in the early morning hours, then there is more of a risk of exposure,” Sevald said.

Sevald said if you do get stung, start treatment immediately.

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