Irukandji syndrome
Irukandji syndrome is a condition that results from envenomation by certain box jellyfish. In rare instances the sting may result in cardiac arrest and death. The most common jellyfish involved is the Carukia barnesi, a species of Irukandji jellyfish. Those stung may experience severe or even excruciating pain.
| Irukandji syndrome | |
|---|---|
| A specimen of Malo kingi, a species of Irukandji jellyfish, in a clear plastic vial | |
| Specialty | Medical toxicology |
| Symptoms | Headache, backache, chest and abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, pathological sweating, severe and sudden onset anxiety, tachycardia |
| Complications | Hypertension, enlarged heart, pulmonary edema, cardiac arrest, possible heart failure |
| Usual onset | 30 minutes after exposure |
| Duration | 4 to 30 hours, sometimes up to 2 weeks |
| Causes | Irukandji jellyfish sting |
| Deaths | 70 |
The syndrome was given its name in 1952 by Hugo Flecker, after the Aboriginal Irukandji people who live in Palm Cove, north of Cairns, Queensland, Australia, where stings are common.
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