…By Larry John for TDPel Media.
Bloodthirsty piranhas launched a vicious attack on unsuspecting families playing volleyball in a waterway at a resort in Brazil’s Amazonas State, leaving at least eight people with bite wounds.
Adaiany Monteiro, a university student, was among the victims, and she recalled feeling a “shock” on her heel during the incident.
Dramatic pictures of the scene show many people with bloodied feet and receiving treatment.
Fisheries engineer Daniel Bevilaqua believes the presence of floating restaurants that serve food in the waterway could be attracting the piranhas.
Bevilaqua explains that when food is discarded close to the restaurants, the piranhas become active in feeding, especially during daylight hours when sunlight is most prevalent.
Bathing in the area during this time poses a risk to people as they may be mistaken for food or invade the piranhas’ feeding space.
Dr Romes Proenca of the Mobile Emergency Care Service advises victims of piranha attacks to immediately leave the water and signal for help to prevent further injuries.
He warns against using detergents, toothpaste, or Merthiolate on the bite and suggests using gauze, a towel, or clean cloth to compress the wound and seek medical assistance.
Analysis:
The incident of piranha attacks in Brazil highlights the dangers that tourists and locals alike face when swimming or engaging in water activities in areas where such fish may reside.
The incident also reveals the risks of food waste in natural habitats, particularly near waterways that may attract dangerous animals.
The advice from experts to immediately leave the water and seek medical assistance is vital in preventing further injuries and complications.
The incident is a reminder of the importance of awareness of the potential dangers of aquatic environments and the need for caution when engaging in water activities.