The venom from Irukandji, and its larger cousin the box jellyfish, can cause
The first of these jellyfish, Carukia barnesi, was identified in 1964 by Jack Barnes; to prove it was the cause of Irukandji syndrome, he captured the tiny jellyfish and allowed it to sting him, his nine-year-old son and a robust young lifeguard. They all became seriously ill, but survived.
What are my chances of getting stung by an Irukandji? Rare. Out of the millions of “people days” each year in the Great Barrier Reef waters, in a particularly bad year, only around 100 Irukandji stings occur in Queensland which require medical treatment.
Irukandji-like symptoms can occur 20 – 30 minutes after the sting and include: severe pain in the body (back, abdomen and chest) increased heart rate (tachycardia) trouble breathing.
Jellyfish stings in Australia can cause pain, paralysis and death for swimmers with exposed skin. Numerous venomous species of jellyfish occur in Australian waters, including the box jellyfish and Irukandji Jellyfish. Box jellyfish are believed to have caused at least 69 deaths since record keeping began in 1883.
The Australian box jellyfish is considered the most venomous marine animal. They may not look dangerous, but the sting from a box jellyfish could be enough to send you to Davy Jones's locker-a watery grave, that is.
1. Box jellyfish – Chironex fleckeri
Known for lurking off the coast of Darwin and northern Queensland, the box jellyfish is one of the most potent stingers in Australia. It has been responsible for 70 deaths in the country and takes victims by wrapping its 3m tentacles around the unsuspecting prey.
When properly treated, a single sting is almost never fatal; however, two people in Australia are believed to have died from Irukandji stings, which has greatly increased public awareness of Irukandji syndrome. It is unknown how many other deaths from Irukandji syndrome have been wrongly attributed to other causes.
No direct antivenom for the venom of C. barnesi or other Irukandji-causative species currently exists. As such, treatment is largely supportive.
Where are they found in Australia? Irukandji are usually found in tropical waters, from Bundaberg in Queensland, up around the northern coastline of Australia, to Geraldton in Western Australia. They have been found as far south on the eastern coastline as Hervey Bay, but this is not common.
The venom from Irukandji, and its larger cousin the box jellyfish, can cause Irukandji syndrome; a painful, potentially lethal condition associated with a sense of "impending doom". There have been two confirmed Irukandji deaths in Australia.
Wear protective clothing such as a full body lycra or neoprene suit, even if in shallow water, as most jellyfish stings occur when wading. This is the number one way of preventing stings, as suits protect up to 75% of the body and cover areas where stings more commonly occur.
But she said most people don't feel the sting. The symptoms include excruciating pain, predominately lower back and abdominal, headache, nausea, vomiting and a feeling of impending doom. “The doom is hard to explain but they're absolutely terrified and look like they're terrified,” Dr Phillips said.
Signs and symptoms of Irukandji envenomation are not always immediate and may appear 5 to 45 minutes after the initial sting. Nausea ◆ Anxiety ◆ Restlessness ◆ Vomiting ◆ Breathing difficulties. Begin resuscitation if necessary.
The Irukandji jellyfish has few predators, as its small size and potent toxin make it difficult for other animals to eat. However, ocean sunfish, along with some sea turtles, fish, and sea snakes, are known to prey on the Irukandji jellyfish.
Irukandji Syndrome affects people differently and some patients may develop heart failure, pulmonary oedema and hypertensive stroke.
Stinger suits are full body suits designed to protect you from stingers such as blue bottles and Irukandji.
Experts agree vinegar (due to its acetic acid content) is the best treatment for box jellyfish and their smaller cousins, the irukandji. The vinegar works by inhibiting the stinging cell discharge.
The Australian Resuscitation Council recommends the use of vinegar as first aid treatment for some jellyfish stings, including those that cause Irukandji syndrome (Australian Resuscitation Council 2010). Vinegar inactivates undischarged nematocysts of Box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri) in experimental studies.
A Gold Coast Health spokesman said doctors were not aware of any irukandji victims on the Gold Coast. “To the best of our knowledge, no patients have ever presented at Gold Coast University or Robina hospitals with irujkandji stings,'' he said. But doctors would know what to do if a sting occurred here.
The Irukandji jellyfish is one of the smallest jellyfish species. On average, its bell, or main section, is less than one inch across! In addition, it is nearly transparent, which makes it extremely difficult to see in the water. This jellyfish has four tentacles, one attached to each corner of its square-shaped bell.
Avoiding stings
Many beaches close over peak season as a safety precaution. Some beaches may install jellyfish nets; however, Irukandji can still fit through the nets. We recommend you wear a stinger suit if swimming during this time.
A 10-year-old Australian girl who survived being stung by the world's most venomous creature, the deadly box jellyfish, may have rewritten medical history, an expert says.
The venom of Irukandji box jellyfish (Malo spp.), the smallest jellyfish in the world with an average size of only one centimeter, have been proven fatal to humans (SF Fig. 3.3). Although the main bell of the box jelly is about the size of a sugar cube, its stinging tentacles can stretch for one meter (SF Fig.
Approximately 50 to 100 people die each year due to stings from the many species of box jellyfish. However, the number of deaths might exceed the estimate.