Are box jellyfish a problem at Lizard Island?
Box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri) can be lethal but these animals are usually found close to the mainland. We know of no reports of box jellyfish sightings or stings at Lizard Island. The risk of encountering a box jellyfish at an offshore locality such as Lizard Island is very low but it is probably higher during and after flood conditions on the mainland during summer. A lycra suit or a wetsuit provides protection to the parts of the body that it covers. 4. What about irukandji and other marine stingers? Irukandji syndrome is a very painful and potentially deady reaction to stings from a range of jellyfish species. The small, transparent jellyfishes that cause irukandji syndrome can be found in offshore waters. There has been an increase in the number of reported irukandji stings in Queensland in recent years, including two deaths. An irukandji sting occurred at Lizard Island in March 2004. A 21 year old male was stung on the forearm and had to be evacuated to Cairns by the Royal Fly
