Sea lice popping up along Florida beaches

Beaches in the Florida Panhandle have been invaded by nearly-invisible creatures.

According to WKRG, sea lice has been confirmed on Santa Rosa and South Walton Beach and can leave beachgoers with rashes.

Sea lice are nearly impossible to see underwater and can get caught under bathing suits, causing a rash known as seabather’s eruption. The lice are the larvae of jellyfish and sting their victims.

The larvae may also cause blisters, fever and nausea in some cases.

Beach areas affected by sea lice are marked with purple flags. Officials say that victims of sea lice should wash the area with hot water or rub the area with sand or the edge of a credit card.

Read more at WKRG.

Cox Media Group