Killer on the loose
By The Nation
Published on November 5, 2008
Swimmers are warned after deadly box jellyfish tentacles cause fatalities
Tourists snorkelling off Thailand's southern coasts have been falling victim to swarms of deadly box jellyfish lately.
Victims have arrived at Krabi Provincial Hospital and Phi Phi health station.
Dead in three minutes
"The venom from a box jellyfish can kill a human in less than three minutes," said Phuket Marine Biological Centre director Wannakiat Tubtimsang yesterday.
Warnings about the dangerous "sea wasp" are being broadcast by relevant bodies including the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and swimmers are being advised to steer clear of certain waters.
According to Wannakiat, one swimmer died last month after suffering box-jellyfish stings. The creatures have recently been spotted in Phuket's Nambor Bay, Krabi's Loh Samah Bay and the islands of Lanta and Phi Phi.
Venom attacks the heart
"Burning pain on the skin is the first sign of contact," said Wannakiat, adding that if the box jellyfish venom enters the bloodstream, the victim can suffer congestive heart failure.
Unlike other members of the species, the box jellyfish actively hunts its prey. These aggressive tendencies along with an almost-transparent body that's difficult to spot even at short distances make it a menace to human swimmers.
Vinegar for stings
Wannakiat warned people against using cold water to alleviate the pain of a box-jellyfish sting.
"That can make things worse," he said. "The best solution is to apply vinegar or hot water, then get to a doctor as fast as possible."
So far this year, the box jellyfish has been blamed for at least two deaths in Thailand. The first victim was an 11-year-old Swedish boy who was stung to death in Krabi.
