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Australia’s most
dangerous jellyfish species found in the waters of North Queensland,
mainly between November to June. This species can cause serious
injuries and fatalities, and on average there is about one death per
year, since the keeping of records. As people have become better
educated about the risks of swimming unprotected in waters where
they are found, the death rate has declined.
Being almost
transparent, the box shaped jellyfish has up to 15 tentacle on each
corner of the bell, with each tentacle, growing up to 3 metres in
length, and capable of inflicting potentially fatal stings. When you come in
contact with the Box Jellyfish, it injects multiple doses of venom, with the
stinging cells acting like an adhesive device on the skin, injecting toxin
directly into the blood vessels. You should not rub a box jellyfish ssting.
Also
known as ‘Sea Wasps’, this name is misleading to visitors in the
tropics, as it gives rise to the misconception that they can fly.
Symptoms: Stings appear as red whip-like welts on the skin and are
excruciatingly painful. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea,
swelling and breathing difficulties. The toxin is thought to act directly on the
cardiac muscle, and the pulmonary system, causing your breathing to
shut down, hence suffocation. Severe stings can also cause the heart
to stop. Immediate first aid is required. Wash the affected area
with household vinegar and seek immediate medical assistance.
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Marine
Stingers
