Territorians are again being warned against entering the water after a three-year-old girl from a remote community was stung by an adult box jellyfish.
The girl collapsed after becoming severely envenomated in shallow water and was rushed to the local health centre by her family.
Dr Paul Spillane, a visiting GP to the community, said she was lucky to survive.
"Thankfully experienced nursing and medical staff in the health centre at the time were able to resuscitate the girl before she was evacuated to Gove District Hospital.
"She was very lucky that the Health Centre was so close to the beach. Any further and she may not have lived.
"Parents should realise just how quickly a day on the beach at this time of year can turn into a life-or-death situation.
"The stinger season is here and the best strategy is prevention. Avoid the water and, most importantly, do not let children go in the water," said Dr Spillane.
Dr Steven Skov from the Department of Health and Families added that if a person is stung, first aid is essential.
"Get them out of the water. Douse the stung area with vinegar immediately.
"If the person is seriously ill, you may need to do CPR. You may need to call for help from an ambulance or 000.
"In all cases take the person to a doctor or the hospital for a check up and pain relief," he said.
Box jellyfish have been responsible for at least 64 deaths since first reported in 1883. The last recorded death in Australia was a 6-year-old boy from a remote NT Aboriginal community during November 2007.
A box jellyfish fact sheet is available from the NT Centre for Disease Control Publications website.
Media Contact: Cameron Jackson 0401 116 144
Release date: 12 December 2008
