Irukandji syndrome

Every summer in northern Australia, more than 60 people are hospitalised with Irukandji syndrome. This syndrome is the result of a sting from the Irukandji (Carukia barnesi) jellyfish. Irukandji is a small cubozoan (or box) jellyfish found in the northern waters of Australia.The sting itself is only moderately painful, with limited local effects. However, approximately 30 minutes later some patients may develop a complex of systemic symptoms including severe abdominal pain, back, limb or joint pain, nausea and vomiting, profuse sweating and agitation. They may also experience numbness or paraesthesia (prickling, itching).