Irukandji syndrome
| 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 |
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.
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.