Marine stingers
Box jellyfish have been responsible for more than 60 deaths in Australia. They are present in northern waters from October until May. There have been reports of box jellyfish as far south as Agnes Water, which is just north of Bundaberg.
There are also smaller marine stingers that can cause Irukandji syndrome - a range of unpleasant symptoms, including stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, headaches and back pain. These marine stingers don't leave big welts or cause the excruciatingly painful immediate sting associated with large box jellyfish. Jellyfish causing Irukandji syndrome live mainly in tropical waters in far north Queensland but some have been found as far south as Bundaberg. These jellyfish may be present at any time of year. In 2001-02, 160 people were stung by jellyfish that cause this syndrome.
Prevention is better than cure, so:
- observe warning signs;
- do not enter the water when beaches are closed due to marine stingers;
- at beaches where there are swimming enclosures, swim only within these nets;
- wear a stinger suit to minimise the risk of being stung while in the water.
First aid for marine stings
Don't rub the sting. Don't apply a pressure bandage.
Large box jellyfish
(Chironex fleckeri)
- Death can happen very quickly, so act immediately!
- Call an ambulance.
- Flood the affected area with vinegar. Vinegar neutralises any undischarged stinging cells. If you don't use vinegar, more venom is injected after the initial sting.
- Keep the victim calm.
- Apply cold packs to the sting for local pain.
- Administer CPR if the victim stops breathing.
Irukandji jellyfish
(Carukia barnesi) and other species causing Irukandji syndrome
- Symptoms emerge about 30 minutes after the sting and include pain, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, headaches and back pain.
- Flood the affected area with vinegar.
- Keep the victim cool and calm and under close observation for at least 45 minutes.
- Seek immediate medical help if symptoms develop or persist.
Bluebottle and other jellyfish stings
- Stings from bluebottles and other small jellyfish which occur all along the Queensland coast are best treated with ice. Some people react more strongly to these stings, so urgent medical attention is sometimes needed.
Last updated: 11 July 2005