1 October 2011
The Top End's Stinger Season has officially started, with the hotter humid weather and warmer sea waters of October heralding the return of box jellyfish.
Stinger season runs from October through to May when box jellyfish numbers reach their peak in Top End waters, according to Public Health Physician, Dr Steven Skov.
"Stingers are often found close to shore, so wading in the shallows and tidal creeks, or using boat ramps can put you at risk of a painful sting," he said.
"An adult box jellyfish can have 40 or more tentacles, each up to two metres in length and loaded with a potentially lethal venom that can attack the heart and kill a person in as little as 5 or 10 minutes.
"Small children are most at risk as the venom injected will have a much stronger effect in their small bodies than it would in an adult."
As well as being potentially fatal, stings are excruciatingly painful. Each year about 40 people present to Top End health facilities as a result of contact with stingers.
Dr Skov says if you can't avoid being in sea water, such as when you're launching a boat, it's important to cover up by wearing long sleeved tops and long shorts or trousers.
"It's also important that adults keep a close eye on children when they're at the beach or near waterways to ensure they stay well clear of the water at all times," he said.
If someone does get stung:
- Douse the area with plenty of vinegar if you have it
- If any tentacles are on the skin you can pull them off (the skin on your fingers is too thick for the sting to penetrate)
- Take the person to hospital
- If they are really unwell you may need to do CPR or call an ambulance
Media Contact: Bridget Wild: 89 992 818 or 0419 818 414
