WARNING GRAPHIC IMAGES: Dozens of people suffered bites to their feet and other parts of their body after they waded into a part of a river they were warned not to enter
People suffered injuries all over their bodies after being attacked by piranhas (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Piranhas have savaged more than 40 people, including children, in a series of attacks which have forced the closure of a popular beach.
The attacks happened as people cooled off in the Parana River close to Victoria, a city about 209 miles northwest of Buenos Aires. Health authorities said the emergency department at Hospital Fermin Salaberry treated several people, including children and adults, who suffered bite wounds after they entered the water in areas where swimming is banned.
One victim reportedly lost their finger and beach guard Alejandro Martin confirmed 46 people were injured, most of whom were left with serious injuries.
The piranhas left people with serious injuries (Image: CEN)
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He added: “I attended to 46 cases, all serious, and I used up three first-aid kits.” With dozens of casualties, authorises urged people not to swim in the piranha-infested river. “We remind the community that there are signs on the various beaches where swimming is prohibited, which are intended to protect health and prevent accidents,” hospital officials said.
Visitors to the area have been urged to stay out of the water and supervise children. They were also told to seek medical attention for any bites.
Dozens were injured after wading into the water (Image: CEN)
Photos taken following the attacks last weekend show multiple people suffered wounds to their feet and other parts of their bodies. Hot temperatures and low river levels were linked to increased piranha activity near the shore during the southern hemisphere’s summer.
While piranhas can be dangerous, deaths from piranha attacks are exceptionally rare as people rarely come into contact with them. But there have been instances where the fish have bitten humans, causing people to suffer injuries.
Health authorities warned people not to enter the water(Image: CEN)
At least 10 people were injured after they were attacked by piranhas as they cooled off in a river in Brazil. Horror images showed people covered in bloody bandages.
Local town hall chiefs said a stretch of water where the attack happened would be closed to swimmers and signs would go up warning about the dangers from the fish. They have also announced a technical study will take place to find out more about piranha attacks in the area.
