Fraser Island News

Stinger was unlikely to be irukandji

Last Update: Thursday Mar 9 08:42 (AEDT)

A 22-year-old Queensland man was "incredibly unlucky" to be stung on the face by a jellyfish but it was unlikely to have been an irukandji, a marine researcher said.

The notorious marine stingers live in tropical waters north of Gladstone but other jellyfish could be found as far south as Victoria, said Dr Jamie Seymour, from James Cook University's school of zoology in Cairns.

Hervey Bay teacher Reagen Collier, 22, was diving recently with a friend off Fraser Island when he was stung on the face by what he believed was an irukandji jellyfish.

He had to spend two days in hospital in intensive care.

"From what he is describing, it sounds like he had irukandji syndrome, but what actually produced that is another thing," Dr Seymour said.

We've had recorded incidences of people actually being stung by bluebottles that give rise to irukandji syndrome."

Scientists believe up to 10 different species of jellyfish could be responsible for the syndrome, although only five have been identified so far.

Irukandji syndrome can last from a few hours to a few days and varies in intensity.

It begins with a mild sting, followed by severe lower back pain, muscle cramps in arms, legs, stomach and chest, sweating, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, headaches and palpitations.

It has also been known to cause cardiac failure.

Dr Seymour said irukandji syndrome was rare.

"We get maybe one in a season," he said.

"It's something that people should be aware of, but there is probably a greater chance of you being hit by a car on the way to the beach."

"This man happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and was incredibly unlucky."

Anyone stung while swimming or diving should douse the sting area with vinegar, Dr Seymour said.

They should seek medical help if they suffer the severe symptoms of irukandji syndrome within about an hour, she said.