title: Severe Irukandji-like jellyfish stings in Thai waters.
abstract: Over recent years, there have been more widely-reported sightings of chirodropids and carybdeids in Thailand. There has also been an increased awareness and documentation of fatal and severe non-fatal jellyfish stings occurring in Thai waters. Although the victims are usually swimming or wading in shallow water, divers are also at risk. Despite generally wearing some protective coverings while diving in the tropics, parts of a diver's body often remain exposed and divers can and do sustain severe and/or life-threatening jellyfish stings. In December 2007 and January 2008, two serious cases of envenomation in divers in Thailand were reported to Divers Alert Network Asia-Pacific (DAN AP). Both of these victims displayed some typical symptoms of an irukandji-like syndrome. Similar to Australia, appropriate measures need to be taken by the Thai authorities to warn locals and tourists alike of the possible presence of dangerous jellyfish, and suitable prevention and management strategies need to be established and implemented to minimise morbidity and mortality.
authors: Associate Professor, School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine and Rehabilitation Sciences, James Cook University, Queensland, Travel Medicine Mackay, PO Box 3080, North Mackay Queenland 4740, Australia, Phone: +61-(0)7-4957-4724, Fax: +61-(0)7-531241, E-mail: pjf@occupationalhealthmackay.com.au.
authors: Peter J
authors: PJ
authors: Fenner
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Lippmann