As temperatures and humidity rise in the Top End, the Centre for Disease Control is reminding Territorians and visitors to be aware of increasing numbers of box jellyfish – or ‘stingers’ – in coastal waters.

Stinger season starts officially on 1 October and continues until 31 May. However, box jellyfish stings have been recorded in every month of the year.

“If you spend time in or on the water in the Top End you must take appropriate steps to avoid being stung,” said Dr Charles Douglas, from the centre’s Injury Prevention team.

“The warning is especially important for visitors and newcomers to the Territory who might not be aware of the danger.”

An adult box jellyfish is hard to see and can have 40 or more tentacles, each up to two metres in length and loaded with venom that causes excruciating pain and which can attack the heart and even cause death. Each year about 40 people present to Top End health facilities as a result of stingers.

Children are at greatest risk as the venom injected during a sting has a greater impact.

People launching boats or other water craft should take extra care.

“Stingers prefer calm conditions so are often at the water’s edge, as well as in tidal creeks and around boat ramps,” Dr Douglas said.

“The best advice is to stay out of the sea but if you have to get in the water, cover up with a stinger suit or a shirt and long trousers.”

If someone does get stung:

• Call for help (call 000)
• Douse the area with plenty of vinegar
• If any tentacles are on the skin you can pull them off (the skin on your fingers is thicker however minor stings may occur)
• Take the person to hospital or call an ambulance
• In extreme cases you may have to perform CPR.

Media contact: Tess Nekrasov 0427 596 954