Jellyfish responsible for Irukandji syndrome

Abstract

Sir, A recent letter from Little et al .1 makes several doubtful claims to be the first to describe the Irukandji syndrome in several species of cubozoans that have been described previously. The ‘fire jelly’ they mention is more commonly known as the ‘Morbakka’ in Australia.2 I first described Irukandji-syndrome-type symptoms from this jellyfish in 1985,3 although these were far less intense than the classic Irukandji syndrome typically associated with Carukia barnesi . These symptoms occurred in approximately 10% of stings, as well as the sting itself causing quite intense skin …