Irukandji-like syndrome in South Florida divers

Ann Emerg Med. 2003 Dec;42(6):763-6. doi: 10.1016/s0196-0644(03)00513-4.

Abstract

Irukandji syndrome is a constellation of delayed severe local and systemic symptoms occurring after a Carukia barnesi box jellyfish sting involving any exposed skin. These cases are limited to Australia, the habitat of that animal. Numerous other cases of an Irukandji-like syndrome after other small Carybdeid genus envenomations have been reported elsewhere in the world. There have yet been no reports of Irukandji-like syndrome occurring in continental US coastal waters. We describe 3 cases of marine envenomation causing such a symptom complex in US military combat divers off Key West, FL. It is unclear what species caused the injuries, but a member of the Carybdeid genus seems most likely.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bites and Stings / complications*
  • Bites and Stings / diagnosis
  • Bites and Stings / therapy
  • Cnidarian Venoms / adverse effects*
  • Cough / etiology
  • Cubozoa*
  • Diving / injuries*
  • Edema / etiology
  • Erythema / etiology
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / etiology
  • Male
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / etiology
  • Psychomotor Agitation / etiology
  • Syndrome
  • Tachycardia / etiology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vomiting / etiology

Substances

  • Cnidarian Venoms