Is the box jellyfish the deadliest?
Irukandji Jellyfish
The Irukandji Jellyfish (Carukia barnesi) inhabits waters of Australia. This is a deadly jellyfish, which is only 2.5 centimeters (with bell and tentacles) in diameter, which makes it difficult to spot.
The Irukandji is believed to be the most venomous creature in the world
The term Irukandji refers to an Australian Aboriginal tribe that inhabited the Palm Cove region of northern Queensland where the Irukandji syndrome, produced by the irukandji stings poison, occurs most often.
This is a species of jellyfish that has been known about in recent years, due to deaths of swimmers in Australia. In 2002, Richard Jordon stung while swimming off the coast of de Hamilton. He was a British tourist 58 years old, unfortunately he died a few days later.
This species of deadly jellyfish is related to another deadly jellyfish, Meduse Della box.
The jellyfish itself was identified in 1964 by Dr. Jack Barnes.
Irukandji has stingers not only on its tentacles but also on its bell.
Irukandji is very small and fragile, it cannot be kept in a normal aquarium because if they hit the side the impact will kill it.
The first Irukandji jellyfish in captivity borned in Townsville.
Townsville Hospital Intensive Care Unit has discovered a remarkably simple yet effective treatment for the potentially fatal stings of the venomous irukandji jellyfish.
Dr. Corkeron has successfully treated patients with magnesium infusions delivered by intravenous drip. Doctors in Queensland say magnesium infusion can fight the jellyfish's lethal venom.
The treatment has been tested on pigs. Doctors have now reported success in humans.
Dr Michael Corkeron, director of intensive care at the state's Townsville Hospital, said:
"The remarkable thing is that magnesium infusion is a long-established, very safe and inexpensive treatment."
Townsville Hospital Contact:
http://www.health.qld.gov.au/comments.asp For Australia: In a life threatening emergency DIAL 000 for Fire, Police & Ambulance Services in Australia.
news.com, November 30, 2007 )
Fool's Gold movie delayed for Irukandji jellyfish in 2007.
In an episode of
CSI New York 4x08, Buzzkill.
