A surfer was today fighting for his life in a Perth hospital after being stung by a tiny irukandji jellyfish.
The 40-year-old man was flown to Perth by the Royal Flying Doctor Service early yesterday after suffering the sting while surfing at Cable Beach in Broome.
He was on life support in the hospital's intensive care unit, with a spokesman for the hospital describing his condition as critical.
The initial sting of the irukandji jellyfish is usually not painful, but symptoms including severe backache or headache and shooting pains in the muscles, chest and abdomen can begin within about 30 minutes.
Those stung may also feel nauseous, anxious and restless. In rare cases, the victim suffers pulmonary oedema (fluid on the lungs) which could be fatal if not treated.
Since November last year, 22 jellyfish stings were reported to Broome Hospital, of which 19 were irukandji stings.
Over the past two years more than 80 stings have been treated at Broome Hospital.
Medical bosses in the Kimberley area said stings from jellyfish can be been prevented if warnings are adhered to and a stinger suit worn.
A stinger suit is a full body wetsuit that leaves only the hands, feet and face exposed.
"Jellyfish are in the water all year round but there appears to be more when the water and air temperature peaks from November to March," Kimberley Public Health Medical Officer Dr Jacki Mein said.
http://smh.com.au/articles/2004/02/12/1 ... 37940.html