We love Koh Lipe, but during our last visit, one member of our travel group stepped on a Stonefish just outside the popular resorts on the southern side of Sunrise Beach, near the snorkeling area.
Fortunately, this wasn't the first time such an incident had occurred at Koh Lipe, so the medical clinic on the island knew exactly how to treat it as first aid. They quickly arranged for the person to be transferred to a hospital on the mainland, though it still took about five hours with extreme pain in a speedboat and ambulance.
The person experienced the worst pain of their life, followed by a serious infection that required no fewer than nine different IV antibiotics before it was brought under control a month later.
About the Stonefish
The Stonefish is considered one of the most venomous fish in the world and can cause extreme pain for those unlucky enough to step on one. Not only is it extremely venomous, but it also poses a significant infection risk, which is often under-communicated and can be the most dangerous consequence of a Stonefish injury.
The first danger after stepping on a Stonefish is the extreme pain, which can lead to drowning or even a heart attack due to shock. After that, the venom begins to slowly travel up the leg, with the pain moving closer and closer to the torso. Although the process is relatively slow, it is still very frightening.
Once you arrive at the hospital and receive the necessary treatment, the next problem becomes the infection, which can be a long and difficult challenge. Many people risk losing part of their leg if the antibiotics don't work effectively, but usually, things end well after a tough few weeks.
Important Things to Do Immediately After Being Stung by a Stonefish:
- Immerse the affected area in hot water (around 45°C) for several minutes. This is the best first aid, as the heat can help neutralize the proteins in the venom.
- Get to a hospital or medical clinic as quickly as possible. Have the wound checked to ensure no fragments of the fish's spine remain, and have the wound thoroughly cleaned before being sent to a hospital if you’re at a clinic in a remote location like Koh Lipe.
- Get an MRI as soon as possible to ensure no fragments remain, even if the doctor previously opened the wound and used X-ray or ultrasound.
If you follow these steps, you have good odds for a full recovery, but expect the first month to be extremely difficult. Recovery can vary greatly from person to person, and it may take up to a year to fully heal.
Koh Lipe is a Hotspot for Stonefish!
We knew there was a small risk of encountering a Stonefish on Koh Lipe, but what no one told us is that the island is actually a hotspot for these fish. Accidents where tourists and locals are stung are quite common. In fact, just a week after our incident, another unlucky person experienced the same thing in almost the same spot.
If that’s not enough, Stingray accidents are also quite common on the island, and there are also highly poisonous sea snakes in the water.
Stonefish tend to be more common on the beaches during the low season due to the water temperature, while in the popular dry season, they seem to stay in deeper water.
The Resorts and Locals Don’t Like to Talk About the Stonefish Problem.
What surprised us was the reluctance on the island to discuss the Stonefish problem among resorts, hotels, and locals. Many were curious at first, but when they heard the word "Stonefish," they became uncomfortable and either changed the subject or walked away.
I understand that they are concerned about hurting the thriving tourist industry on the island, but it’s still unfortunate, as many accidents could be avoided if awareness was raised on the topic.
Swimming shoes aren’t a guarantee of safety, as the Stonefish's spines can penetrate them, but they do offer some extra protection. Signs on the island warning about the dangers and encouraging people to wear swimming shoes and watch where they step could help prevent many accidents each year. Resorts in the most affected areas should also be educated on first aid for Stonefish injuries, including the importance of immediate treatment with hot water.
Don’t Let the Stonefish Scare You Away from Koh Lipe!
Many people have visited Koh Lipe multiple times without any incidents involving Stonefish. A fear of Stonefish shouldn't deter you from visiting Koh Lipe, but it is wise to take some precautions. Wear swimming shoes, try to avoid stepping on the seabed, especially near corals, and be aware of your surroundings. Remember the importance of getting hot water treatment as soon as possible, even more so than immediate medical treatment. If you’re stung, go to the nearest restaurant (which are all over the beaches on Koh Lipe) and ask them to heat up some water right away.
Koh Lipe is a beautiful island both in and out of the water, and you should definitely visit it.