Fatal envenomation by jellyfish causing Irukandji syndrome

Fenner, Peter J.; Hadok, John C

doi:10.5694/j.1326-5377.2002.tb04838.x

Cited by 93 publications

(66 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…This is somewhat surprising as box jellyfish are among the most venomous animals in the world [33]. Quite often, their habitat overlaps with areas of human recreation resulting in dangerous encounters due to painful, even lethal stings [34], [35], causing beach closures at various global localities [33].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Long-Term Fluctuations in Circalunar Beach Aggregations of the Box Jellyfish Alatina moseri in Hawaii, with Links to Environmental Variability

et al. 2013

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The box jellyfish Alatina moseri forms monthly aggregations at Waikiki Beach 8–12 days after each full moon, posing a recurrent hazard to swimmers due to painful stings. We present an analysis of long-term (14 years: Jan 1998– Dec 2011) changes in box jellyfish abundance at Waikiki Beach. We tested the relationship of beach counts to climate and biogeochemical variables over time in the North Pacific Sub-tropical Gyre (NPSG). Generalized Additive Models (GAM), Change-Point Analysis (CPA), and General Regression Models (GRM) were used to characterize patterns in box jellyfish arrival at Waikiki Beach 8–12 days following 173 consecutive full moons. Variation in box jellyfish abundance lacked seasonality, but exhibited dramatic differences among months and among years, and followed an oscillating pattern with significant periods of increase (1998–2001; 2006–2011) and decrease (2001–2006). Of three climatic and 12 biogeochemical variables examined, box jellyfish showed a strong, positive relationship with primary production, >2 mm zooplankton biomass, and the North Pacific Gyre Oscillation (NPGO) index. It is clear that that the moon cycle plays a key role in synchronizing timing of the arrival of Alatina moseri medusae to shore. We propose that bottom-up processes, likely initiated by inter-annual regional climatic fluctuations influence primary production, secondary production, and ultimately regulate food availability, and are therefore important in controlling the inter-annual changes in box jellyfish abundance observed at Waikiki Beach.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Long-Term Fluctuations in Circalunar Beach Aggregations of the Box Jellyfish Alatina moseri in Hawaii, with Links to Environmental Variability

et al. 2013

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“…Depending on the species responsible, many patients with Irukandji syndrome have pain without hypertension, while others have severe hypertension, even with effective pain control [88]. Deaths from Irukandji syndrome have been reported, due to intracerebral hemorrhage secondary to severe hypertension caused by the envenomation [89]. Although some authors suggest that cardiac dysfunction could be attributed to a myotoxin [34], according to others, it is only caused by the release of vast amounts of noradrenaline [90].…”

Section: 2 Cubozoans Speciesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Jellyfish Stings and Their Management: A Review

Cegolon

Heymann

Lange³

et al. 2013

Marine Drugs

176

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Jellyfish (cnidarians) have a worldwide distribution. Despite most being harmless, some species may cause local and also systemic reactions. Treatment of jellyfish envenomation is directed at: alleviating the local effects of venom, preventing further nematocyst discharges and controlling systemic reactions, including shock. In severe cases, the most important step is stabilizing and maintaining vital functions. With some differences between species, there seems to be evidence and consensus on oral/topical analgesics, hot water and ice packs as effective painkillers and on 30 s application of domestic vinegar (4%–6% acetic acid) to prevent further discharge of unfired nematocysts remaining on the skin. Conversely, alcohol, methylated spirits and fresh water should be carefully avoided, since they could massively discharge nematocysts; pressure immobilization bandaging should also be avoided, as laboratory studies show that it stimulates additional venom discharge from nematocysts. Most treatment approaches are presently founded on relatively weak evidence; therefore, further research (especially randomized clinical trials) is strongly recommended. Dissemination of appropriate treatment modalities should be deployed to better inform and educate those at risk. Adequate signage should be placed at beaches to notify tourists of the jellyfish risk. Swimmers in risky areas should wear protective equipment.

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“…A minority of patients develops life-threatening complications such as pulmonary oedema, cardiomyopathy, cardiogenic shock or intracerebral haemorrhage 8. Deaths have been reported (Fenner and Hadock7). There is no national database to collect the reported cases, and it is not a reportable condition in Australia; therefore, it is difficult to estimate the exact number of cases of Irukandji syndrome.…”

Section: Commentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

BET 2: role of vinegar in Irukandji syndrome

2015

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A shortcut review was carried out to establish whether dousing areas of contact with vinegar could relieve the symptoms of Irukandji syndrome. Four studies were directly relevant to the question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these papers are tabulated. The clinical bottom line is there is a lack of evidence for effectiveness and the latest local guidelines should be followed.

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Fatal envenomation by jellyfish causing Irukandji syndrome

Cited by 93 publications

References 5 publications

Long-Term Fluctuations in Circalunar Beach Aggregations of the Box Jellyfish Alatina moseri in Hawaii, with Links to Environmental Variability

Long-Term Fluctuations in Circalunar Beach Aggregations of the Box Jellyfish Alatina moseri in Hawaii, with Links to Environmental Variability

Jellyfish Stings and Their Management: A Review

BET 2: role of vinegar in Irukandji syndrome

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