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The Irukandji (Carukua barnesi) is a type of miniature jellyfish that inhabits tropical waters off northern Australia and has a deadly sting. The bell (i.e., the main part of the body) of this jellyfish is only 12 millimeters in diameter and 25 millimeters in length. There are four contractible tentacles which range in length from five centimeters to one meter. This thumbnail size plus a transparent body makes it very hard to spot in the water, and they have historically been very difficult to catch for research purposes. The sting is usually not very painful initially, in contrast to the stings of some other types of jellyfish. But anywhere from five minutes to two hours later, the victim begins to experience a severe pain in various parts of the body, including the back, head, muscles, chest and abdomen. Other symptoms of the Irukandji syndrome may include nausea, profuse sweating, restless, vomiting and elevated blood pressure. In some cases, the lungs fill with fluid, which can lead to death if not treated. The danger is greatest to divers and snorkelers, and incidents are the greatest to the north of Cairns, in northern Queensland. Reports of stings peak in December through February, and it appears that factors are hotter days, lower rainfall and light winds. In addition to the tropical waters of the east and west coasts of Australia, the Irukandji is also occasionally reported in the islands of the Indian and Pacific Oceans (including Indonesia and Fiji). Victims should be given immediate medical attention. Hospitalization is typically necessary to treat the intense pain and high blood pressure, but most victims can be discharged within 24 hours. There is no known anti-venom at present. However, there are some indications magnesium infusion can be effective. The existence of pre-existing health problems could be a major factor in the deadliness of the stings. This jellyfish was named after an indigenous tribe that once lived in the area around Cairns. The barnesi part of the scientific name is derived from the name of Dr. Jack Barnes, who in 1966 captured a specimen and then stung himself, his son and a volunteer lifesaver to see if it caused the Irukandji syndrome. All three ended up in a hospital intensive care unit with severe and typical symptoms, but eventually recovered. Created October 29, 2006. |