Summary
- There have been recent sightings of box jellyfish in our waters.
- Wear protective clothing to avoid being stung.
- Follow the general advice for all jellyfish stings in tropical Australia.
Health authorities are warning all Cape York, Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area residents to take care while swimming due to recent sightings of box jellyfish.
Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Public Health Medical Officer Dr Allison Hempenstall said that there have been sightings of box jellyfish in our waters.
“It’s a timely warning to take precautions when swimming in the sea in any northern waters.
“Swimmers can avoid being stung by wearing protective clothing such a wetsuit or lycra suit.
“If you don’t have a protective suit and you know there could be stingers or jellyfish in the water, just don’t go in.
“It’s also important that people are familiar with resuscitation methods – early resuscitation after major stings from box jellies has saved lives in the past few years,’’ she said.
Several types of jellyfish in tropical Australian waters can cause pain. Each is different in appearance and requires different treatment.
The Australian box jellyfish, Chironex fleckeri, is extremely dangerous and a constant threat through the warmer months on the Northern Queensland coast.
It is a large but almost transparent jellyfish with a box-shaped bell (with four corners).
A major Chironex sting is immediately and excruciatingly painful. It should be considered life threatening.
Large box jellies such as Chironex have caused more than 70 fatalities in Australia.
DO NOT use salt or fresh water to treat Chironex – it will cause the stinging cells to discharge and worsen the sting. Use vinegar and make sure you do not rub the skin.
The Australian Resuscitation Council provides the following general advice for all jellyfish stings in tropical Australia:
- Call for help (call for an ambulance immediately on 000 if the patient is extremely unwell).
- Check for level of consciousness and assess airway, breathing, circulation, and resuscitate if required – early resuscitation after major stings from Chironex box jellies has saved lives in the past few years.
- Douse the sting site liberally for 30 seconds with vinegar to neutralise the stinging cells UNLESS the sting is from a blue bottle, in which case wash off with water.
- Apply a cold pack or ice in a dry plastic bag for analgesia. DO NOT allow or apply fresh water directly onto the sting because it may cause discharge of undischarged nematocysts.
- Seek medical aid as soon as possible. Call for an ambulance if this has not already occurred, if there is persistent pain or any ongoing or worsening symptoms.
Dr Hempenstall said in-hospital treatment for a marine sting could vary depending upon the severity of the sting and the type of symptoms being exhibited.
For more details visit Sea creature bites and stings on the Queensland Government website.