In 2021, there was a video circulating showing a tourist holding a small creature in the palm of their hand. Apparently, the creature that he found around Uluwatu Beach, Bali was a blue-ringed octopus. 

Despite its diminutive size, the blue-ringed octopus carries venom that is highly lethal. You should be cautious to avoid getting bitten. But what should you do if bitten by this creature?

Blue Ringed Octopus Venom

The blue-ringed octopus is relatively small compared to other octopus species, averaging only about 12-20 cm in size. It inhabits the waters of Australia, Japan, and Southeast Asia, including Indonesia.

These octopuses usually reside near coral reefs in shallow waters to hide during the day. They become active and hunt for food at night. 

Although highly toxic, this creature is not aggressive. It will only attack when feeling threatened.

When it calms, the octopus appears yellow like sand. However, when threatened, its skin changes to bright yellow, and bright blue rings appear on its body surface.

Despite its petite size, the venom of blue ringed octopus bite has been reported to potentially cause the death of more than 20 adults within minutes.

The venom contained in the octopus's saliva is called tetrodotoxin (TTX), the most deadly toxin possessed by marine animals. Unfortunately, this toxin still has no antidote.

Although actual cases of blue-ringed octopus bites are rare, it's best to remain cautious and careful. This way, you and your family can avoid unwanted tragedies while playing on the beach.

Symptoms of a Blue Ringed Octopus Bite

A bite from a blue ringed octopus does not cause pain. Therefore, people generally do not realize they have been bitten by this tiny creature.

After being bitten, symptoms that appear in one person may not be the same for others. This is influenced by the amount of venom released by the octopus, age, and individual health conditions.

However, the initial symptoms that usually occur after being bitten by a blue ringed octopus are:

• Excessive saliva production.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Chest tightness.
• Tingling sensation.
• Numbness.
• Excessive sweating.
• Dizziness.
• Headache.
• Nausea.
• Loss of vision.

These symptoms generally worsen within 10 minutes to:

• Paralysis.
• Muscle weakness.
• Loss of body coordination.
• Oxygen deficiency in tissues, causing the body to appear blue or purple.

First Aid for a Blue Ringed Octopus Bite

The venom of the blue-ringed octopus is highly lethal, and to date, no antidote has been found to treat it.

Therefore, if someone suspects they have been bitten by this creature, they should immediately be taken to the Hospital Emergency Unit for assistance. Do not attempt to handle it yourself.

Because the venom from a blue-ringed octopus bite can cause respiratory arrest, the first medical action typically taken by healthcare professionals is resuscitation efforts, such as:

• Administering additional oxygen through a ventilator.
• Inserting an IV.
• Intubation (placing an elastic tube-like breathing aid through the mouth or nose).

In addition, healthcare workers on duty may also clean the bite wound using clean water.

After cleaning, the wound needs to be wrapped with elastic bandages (ACE bandages). Next, the area around the bite will also be tightly wrapped.

After all procedures are completed, doctors and other healthcare workers will monitor you for several hours.

The success of self-medical treatment depends largely on the timeliness of treatment after the initial bite.

According to an incident report of blue ringed octopus bites published on the Healthline website, with timely and accurate treatment, paralysis caused by this creature's toxin begins to disappear within 15 hours. Meanwhile, respiratory aids can also be removed after 17 hours.

If you suspect someone has been bitten by a blue ringed octopus while in Bali, one of the best hospitals to visit is Bali International Hospital.

This hospital is located in the Bali Health Special Economic Zone known as The Sanur. Its convenient location ensures accessibility from every corner of the island.

Furthermore, the hospital is equipped with the latest medical technology and professional healthcare staff. This ensures that emergency health diagnostics and treatments are carried out quickly and accurately.

Coupled with modern facilities, world-class service, and a serene environment, the healing process will feel more comfortable and pleasant.