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The Tropical North Queensland waters off Australia contain many creatures, including some dangerous jellyfish, known commonly as marine stingers. They are easily avoided provided correct precaution is taken; however if stung, they can cause mild to severe discomfort, and may potentially be lethal.
Marine “stinger season” generally runs from November through to May/June. During this period, the dangerous jellyfish are of particular concern.
Marine stingers include the most common Box Jellyfish (Chironex) and Irukandji, however, there are also several other stingers including the Bluebottle (Physalia), Hair Jelly (Cyanea), Jimble (Carybdea), Fire Jelly (Morbakka) and Little Mauvre Stinger (Pelagia).
Box Jellyfish are found in the shallow, tropical waters of North Queensland, and all over the Northern Territory and Western Australia. The predominant recorded stings from the Box Jellyfish are along coastal areas.
Chironex are large (almost transparent) jellyfish with a “box-shaped” bell (with 4 corners) up to 30cm in diameter. They can have up to 15 “ribbon-like” tentacles arising from each of the corners (up to 60 tentacles) 10cm (contracted) to 3m (extended) in length.
Severe stings may cause victim to stop breathing or their heart to stop, potentially resulting in death.
FIRST AID:
| 1 | Call for help | Dial 000 for an Ambulance |
| 2 | Emergency care | Administer CPR if needed |
| 3 | Treat the sting | Pour vinegar onto sting |
| 4 | Seek medical aid | Transport to hospital |
Irukandji are a group of jellyfish know to cause Irukandji Syndrome. They are found in the tropical waters of Northern Queensland, and all over Northern Territory and Western Australia. They have occasionally been reported in sub-tropical and temperate waters. Some can be found coastally, on reefs and islands, and at times can occur close to shore.
Irukandji jellyfish are very small transparent jellyfish with a “box-shaped” bell (4 corners) ranging from 1-2cm and up to 10cm in diameter (depending on the species). They only have 1 thin tentacle arising from each of the corners (4 tentacles).
Initially the sting of the Irukandji is just felt as a minor skin sting. This is followed by severe generalized muscular pain, anxious behavior, headaches, vomiting and sweating, from 5 and up to 40 minutes post initial contact. The sting from some species can cause very high blood pressure or affect the heart, potentially resulting in death. These symptoms are referred to as Irukandji Syndrome.
FIRST AID:
| 1 | Call for help | Dial 000 for an Ambulance |
| 2 | Emergency care | Oxygen should be applied. Administer CPR if needed |
| 3 | Treat the sting | Pour vinegar onto sting |
| 4 | Seek medical aid | Transport to hospital |
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In order to prevent getting stung by the marine stingers take the following precautions and ensure your day at the beach is enjoyable:
Other Marine StingersMarine Stingers: This specially developed website provides comprehensive advice and information about marine stingers in the tropical waters of north Queensland. It is an initiative of the Queensland Government and Su rf Lifesaving Queensland. Other Useful LinksSurf Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving Queensland. These websites includes a wide range of information on services, products and education programs from the Surf Life Saving Association.
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Photographs courtesy of Surf Life Saving Queensland. Irukandji photo courtesy of Jamie Seymour. |
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