Latest news with #Irukandji
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
This fingernail-sized killer 100 times deadlier than a cobra is haunting Australian waters in the ‘off-season'
The Irukandji jellyfish may be tiny, often no bigger than a fingernail, but it's one of the most venomous marine creatures in the world. Found primarily in the waters off northern Australia, this transparent predator can deliver a sting that leaves even strong swimmers in excruciating pain. A swimmer was stung by it at Cable Beach in late July, outside the usual wet season risk period. The incident has drawn interest from overseas academics at the University of Hawaii, who will study the species further. It has also renewed interest in public safety. Productivity Tool Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide By Metla Sudha Sekhar View Program Finance Introduction to Technical Analysis & Candlestick Theory By Dinesh Nagpal View Program Finance Financial Literacy i e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By CA Rahul Gupta View Program Digital Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By Neil Patel View Program Finance Technical Analysis Demystified- A Complete Guide to Trading By Kunal Patel View Program Productivity Tool Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By Study at home View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program While they are most common from November to April, former CSIRO marine biologist Lisa-ann Gershwin told ABC there is no completely safe season in Broome. Stings have been recorded in every month of the year. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Rates Undo What is the Irukandji jellyfish? The Irukandji jellyfish belongs to the box jellyfish family and is notorious for its size-defying potency. Measuring just a few centimeters across, it is nearly invisible in the water, making it extremely hard to spot. There are 16 known Irukandji species worldwide, six of which are found in WA. Two occur in Broome, Malo maxima and Carukia shinju. Each has a body about the size of a thimble and long, fine tentacles. Live Events They are found in tropical waters around Australia, including the Great Barrier Reef, which extends from Broome to Queensland. They typically inhabit deeper waters near reefs, usually between 10 and 20 meters (33 to 66 feet) deep, but due to currents, they can come closer to shore. While common in Australian waters, they have also been spotted in other tropical regions like the Caribbean and Hawaii. How venomous is the Irukandji jellyfish? Its venom is designed for rapid prey capture but can devastate humans. The toxins target the cardiovascular and nervous systems, triggering an extreme reaction known as 'Irukandji syndrome.' Scientists believe this venom is among the most powerful in the animal kingdom, possibly evolved to bring down larger, faster prey with a very tiny amount. The venom of the Irukandji jellyfish is often described as 100 times more potent than that of a cobra. Frequency of stings Stings are uncommon but not rare, as Kimberly Australia reported 159 stings over a five-year period. According to the Medical Journal of Australia, six have been recorded at Cable Beach in the past five years. This is far fewer than the 88 cases treated between 2001 and 2003. Earlier WA Health reports also showed higher sting numbers in the past. Between 2001 and 2006, Broome recorded the highest Irukandji sting rates in Australia, with some cases causing life-threatening complications. Symptoms and treatments While the sting itself might cause only mild discomfort at first, symptoms can escalate within minutes to hours. Common signs include: intense back, muscle, and chest pain, severe nausea and vomiting, profuse sweating, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate and high blood pressure. In some cases, victims experience feelings of impending doom, a well-documented effect of the venom's neurological impact. There is no specific antivenom for Irukandji stings, so treatment focuses on symptom relief and stabilizing the patient., Immediate medical attention is crucial. First-aid steps include: Rinsing the sting area with vinegar to neutralize the venom Seeking emergency medical care without delay Pain management and blood pressure monitoring in hospital settings
ABC News
2 days ago
- Health
- ABC News
How common are Irukandji jellyfish and what are the risks?
They may be tiny, but Irukandji jellyfish can pack a fatal punch. Residents in Western Australia's far north know to be wary of jellyfish stings, especially during the wet season from November to April. But an "unusual" sting at Broome's tourist hot spot Cable Beach in late July has sparked the interest of overseas academics at the University of Hawaii, who will do further research into the species. WA Country Health Service would not release information on the latest patient's condition. While incidents of Irukandji stings are rare, they can be life-threatening and cause other side effects like feeling an impending sense of doom. The local shire website warns Irukandji jellyfish are typically present during the wet season, but former CSIRO marine biologist and jellyfish expert, Lisa-ann Gershwin, said they frequented Broome waters year-round. "There is a kind of safer season where they are less common … but there's always a chance." When a swimmer is stung at Cable Beach, lifeguards close the beach to swimming and conduct stinger drags, which involves sampling sections of water close to the shore for the presence of jellyfish. Lifeguards identify the jellyfish, and if needed, researchers conduct further studies. But lifeguards don't only conduct stinger drags when an incident occurs. It's a routine precautionary measure done twice daily to ensure safety, according to Shire of Broome manager of environmental health, emergency and rangers Aaron Ahtong. "The lifeguards are constantly monitoring conditions," he said. "So, including the drone patrols, they are doing everything they can to make sure the community is protected." While the Irukandji species is not rare in tropical environments, being stung is uncommon. Mr Ahtong said there were six recorded stings in the past five years. This marks a significant decrease from the findings detailed in the Medical Journal of Australia, Irukandji syndrome in northern Western Australia: an emerging health problem, 20 years ago. The report found 88 people were treated for Irukandji syndrome in Broome between 2001 and 2003. "[Stings] are out of the ordinary, but definitely not rare," Mr Ahtong said. There are 16 known species of Irukandji globally. Dr Gershwin has named and classified 14, including all six found in WA. There are two known types in Broome, including Malo maxima and Carukia shinju. "The body is about the size of a thimble and it's got four super-fine tentacles, as fine as cobwebs, and that one I named Carukia shinju," she said. "Of course, shinju is the Japanese word for pearl." Dr Gershwin said she was surprised to hear about the timing of the latest sting, but not shocked. "They don't read the signs and say, 'No, no, it's not the right season yet.'" Dr Gershwin said a strong onshore wind or a "cracking good storm" would heighten the stinging risk, regardless of the time of year. "The atmospheric and oceanic conditions bring them into the beaches, where tragedy occurs when they make [contact] with people," she said. Short answer — no, but it's worth staying informed. Local rangers and scientists agree that Cable Beach is one of the safest beaches because of the precautionary measures taken. Dr Gershwin echoed the Shire of Broome's sentiment, agreeing the most important detail was that people remained aware. "I think scaring people to say there's always a risk is not as effective as saying, 'There's always a risk, but here's what you can do about it.'" Dr Gershwin advised beachgoers to wear protective beachwear, such as full-length lycra suits or wetsuits, and swim in patrolled areas.
ABC News
14-06-2025
- Science
- ABC News
Business as usual at Exmouth after shark, crocodile and Irukandji incidents
The picturesque Ningaloo and Exmouth coasts are best known for swimming with whale sharks, humpback whales, manta rays and turtles, as visitors head north to escape the southern winter. But recently, the region has been plagued with reports of crocodile sightings, shark bites and Irukandji stings — so, is there something in the water? Late last year Exmouth residents reported sightings of crocodiles and great white sharks, while earlier this week two people were hospitalised with Irukandji syndrome after swimming in Ningaloo Marine Park. Irukandji jellyfish are known for their stings, causing severe pain, nausea and vomiting. Irukandji expert and Giffith University PhD candidate Jess Strickland said whether there were more Irukandji around the Ningaloo was up for debate. "It's a bit of a tricky one," she said. "Mainly because we've only just started paying attention and studying them in this part of the world, so there are no long-term data sets." Ms Strickland is studying Irukandji at Ningaloo reef, with the hope of increasing the understanding of the species to inform public safety. She said that while reporting had increased, it did not mean the danger had. "But is that because there are more people in the water, more awareness about Irukandji jellyfish and Irukandji syndrome, and a slightly better reporting system? "Or does it represent a genuine increase in their presence in the area? We don't know." Ms Strickland said warming waters were contributing to marine species experiencing shifting distributions, concerning researchers that stinging jellyfish on the WA coast were moving south. Exmouth local Rusty Ellis volunteers in marine rescue and spends as much time as he can on the water. When asked if he had witnessed more Irukandji in recent years, Mr Ellis was resolute. "No, there's no sort of increase, per se," he said. "If there's a bit of warm water, like we had this year, that comes down from up north, there's a good chance it's going to be bringing the Irukandjis down with it. "With the increased population and the increased numbers of the people swimming out there … more people in the water, there's more chance of an interaction. Exmouth's local population has grown from about 2,400 people in 2011 to just over 3,000 in 2021, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics census. The local population triples at the height of the tourist season and the area is a popular school holiday destination. When it comes to crocodiles and sharks, Mr Ellis said the Parks and Wildlife Service had "done a pretty good job of sorting them out". "There's thousands of sharks out there and they don't very often have interactions with the public," he said. "There's that much other food out there for them that people really don't taste that good." Mr Ellis's message to others is simple. "Just don't be silly."
ABC News
10-06-2025
- Health
- ABC News
Warning issued as Irukandji jellyfish sting two swimmers in northern WA
Swimmers in northern Western Australia have been being urged to take precautions after two people were stung by Irukandj jellyfish on Monday. The sting of the jellyfish can cause severe pain, nausea and breathing difficulties. Two people were admitted to hospital after swimming in the Ningaloo Marine Park. They have since been discharged. Griffith University PhD candidate Jess Strickland said two types of Irukandji were found in the Ningaloo region. "Keesingia gigas is the world's largest species of Irukandji and they can get to over 50 centimetres long," she said. "They sort of look like a giant rocket-ship. "The more common species we get is called Mallo bella. "It's a lot smaller — it's your typical sort of Irukandji jellyfish shape, so a small bell about the size of the tip of your thumb, and four tentacles, one coming off each corner." Ms Strickland said encounters were most likely during the dry season. "They're most commonly sighted from March onwards and we're seeing them through into August occasionally," she said. Ms Strickland said the best way to prevent stings was by wearing clothing that covered as much of the skin as possible, such as a lycra swimsuit. "They don't actually have a brain, so they're not consciously choosing to sting someone," she said. "It's a trigger that happens automatically when the jellyfish would brush up against someone." Ms Strickland said Irukandji delivered venom via a "sort of microscopic, harpoon-like structure". "People are at risk of being stung if bare skin brushes up against them," she said. A Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions spokesperson urged visitors to "remain vigilant while enjoying the marine park." "Wearing stinger suits or rash shirts can help reduce the risk of being stung," they said. The spokesperson said any sightings should be reported immediately to Parks and Wildlife authorities. The WA Country Health Service and WA Department of Health declined to comment.
