Irukandji syndrome is a condition that results from envenomation by certain box jellyfish. In rare instances the sting may result in cardiac arrest and death. The most common jellyfish involved is the Carukia barnesi, a species of Irukandji jellyfish. Those stung may experience severe or even excruciating pain.
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.
Irukandji syndrome is a painful, potentially lethal condition caused by the sting and envenomation from multiple jellyfish species. It is characterized by severe pain, muscle cramping, hypertension, and potentially life-threatening cardiac complications.
Irukandji syndrome is a distressing envenoming secondary to the sting of Carukia barnesi and other, as yet unidentified, jellyfish found in coastal waters of tropical Australia. It has also been reported in Hawaii, the Caribbean, Asia and Papua New Guinea.
Irukandji Syndrome affects people differently and some patients may develop heart failure, pulmonary oedema and hypertensive stroke.
Jellyfish account for more than 80 known deaths since 1883. The box jellyfish was responsible for 79 deaths, and Irukandji the other two.
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.
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.
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.
In 1964, an Australian GP called Jack Barnes set out to find what caused the syndrome. He captured a grape-sized jellyfish and tested it by stinging himself, his 14-year- old son, and a surf lifesaver. All three ended up in hospital with Irukandji syndrome.
Although these rashes are annoying, they are not a serious medical problem. When an itchy rash occurs several days to weeks after a sting, the rash may mean a delayed skin reaction has occurred. A delayed reaction can occur many times over the course of 1 to 2 months following a sting.
Stinger suits are full body suits designed to protect you from stingers such as blue bottles and Irukandji.
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.
1. Rinse the area with vinegar, for at least 30 seconds. If you don't have vinegar, use sea water.
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.
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.
There is, however, evidence, that its range is spreading, most likely because of the impacts of climate change, with recent reports of the species as far south as Fraser Island and Mooloolaba, just north of Brisbane.
While box jellyfish are found in warm coastal waters around the world, the lethal varieties are found primarily in the Indo-Pacific region and northern Australia. This includes the Australian box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri), considered the most venomous marine animal.
The box jellyfish is the deadliest jellyfish in the world, and quite possibly the deadliest marine creature as well. While they are difficult to avoid, it is best to know the symptoms of a box jellyfish sting in case you or someone around you ever has an unfortunate encounter with the creature.
Despite the cluster of stings, experts say most people wouldn't die from an irukandji sting and the box jelly fish remains a much greater threat.
A sting from this jellyfish can bring on a sense of impending doom, and cause the victim to want to die. As the oceans warm, habitat for the Irukandji is expanding.
Possible complications of a jellyfish sting include: Delayed skin reaction, causing blisters, rash or other irritation. Irukandji syndrome, which causes chest and stomach pain, high blood pressure, and heart problems.
The tentacles of the jellyfish have tiny stingers called nematocysts which can detach, stick to skin, and release venom. Even if the jellyfish is dead, it can still sting you because the cell structure of nematocysts is maintained long after death.