The Irukandji syndrome. A devastating syndrome caused by a north Australian jellyfish.

Abstract

To date there have been no reported deaths from Irukandji envenomation but there have been a number of patients who were probably only saved by high quality intensive care treatment. Research into the cause and treatment of this potentially devastating syndrome is hampered by lack of funding, although there are large costs to the taxpayers for retrieval and medical treatment of victims. These costs are analysed and presented.