Conclusion

The results from the PhysaTox® system confirm the emergence of jellyfish stings as a public health issue in Aquitaine and highlight its variability over the years. Indeed, while more than 800 jellyfish stings were reported in 2011, none have been reported since 2014. However, the presence of Portuguese man-of-war is unpredictable, which is why the CAPTV in Bordeaux and the Cire Aquitaine have continued surveillance by adapting the system.Thus, in 2011 and 2012, monitoring aimed to record all jellyfish stings at sentinel first-aid stations; then, starting in 2013, the system evolved to focus solely on monitoring Stage 2 cases (so-called “severe cases,” with systemic symptoms). However, the environmental alert component—based on reports of the first jellyfish sightings—remained unchanged, as the goal is to determine as early as possible whether jellyfish are present on coastal beaches and to alert network stakeholders.The system put in place has enabled the distribution each season of guidelines developed by the CAPTV and intended for first responders and emergency physicians in the region. At the same time, the reactive detection of Portuguese man-of-war on the coasts of the Aquitaine region during the 2011–2013 seasons led to press releases by the ARS Aquitaine to quickly inform authorities and the public of the presence of the creatures and the risk of poisoning.Since there is little data available in France, the Cire Aquitaine and the CAPTV have decided to renew the PhysaTox® surveillance program for 2016. However, an evaluation of the system is planned prior to its reactivation to determine the future course of action and the operational details of the surveillance system.