Irukandji jellyfish

Read in Saturday's Straits Times that a 29 year-old man was critically ill after he was stung by Irukandji jellyfish while diving in waters off northern Australia.

The Irukandji jellyfish is related to the more well-known box jellyfish, and is as deadly. Actually, it is more dangerous due to its size... or in fact, its lack of size. How do you avoid something when its so small (a mere 2.5 cm) you don't notice it at all?

Photo from www.irukandjijellyfish.com


The victim may only feel slight discomfort immediately after being stung, but after about 30 minutes, severe symptoms - including vomiting, profuse sweating, headache, agitation, rapid heart rate and very high blood pressure - may appear. These symptoms are collectively named the Irukandji Syndrome. You can read more about the syndrome at www.jellyfishfacts.net.


Luckily, these critters are found mainly in Queensland, Australia. Singaporean anglers need not worry about them. For treatment of stings by jellyfish commonly found in our region, go to the MFF article on venomous sea creatures!