Box Jellyfish

The jellyfish live all over the world. There exists 400 vast Dead Zones in world oceans that are too polluted for almost all life except for jellyfish. They inhabit depths of water from shallow to the deepest abyss. 

How many different ones are out there?:
Scientists haven't discovered every single species of jellyfish, but there are officially over 200 species. Some scientists believe that number will reach 2,000 easily. As technology advances, scientists can explore more marine environments and have the tools to analyze more types of jellyfish. Identifying the main types is still a wise choice to learn especially if you get stung. ¹

What jellyfish do I really have to be on the lookout for?
The Box Jellyfish is the most venomous jellyfish of them all. A person dies within 3 minutes after being stung by one. The Box Jellyfish fires nematocysts into the skin within 3 milliseconds of being triggered, injecting millions of harpoons of venom into a large area of tissue which absorbs it rapidly. Children are more prone to the stings. National Geographic has a photo of the Box Jellyfish that you should look at to recognize this venomous creature. ³

How do I avoid this specific jellyfish?:
The box jellyfish has the 'stinger' season for the Northern Territory; from October 1st to June 1st. The most recommended protection is stay out of the water during the stinger season, and if entering the water, to wear protective clothing such as a wet suit. ³

What do I do if someone is stung by a Box Jellyfish?:
It is important to give immediate first aid. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation may be needed.
Remove the patient from the water and restrain if necessary (restrain if having a seizure). Call for help. Start CPR if necessary. Douse the stung area with vinegar to neutralize the poison - never with fresh water. Seek urgent medical assistance with rapid transport. Antivenom may be required. ³

Fatalities?:
40 people obtain an injury from a jellyfish sting and are taken to a hospital or health clinic. 64 people have died, and the number keeps rising. ³ 

Possible Cure?:
Researching have found a zinc-based compound that prevented death in mice that were injected with the venom from Box Jellyfish. The research is still in progress, but seems promising. ²


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Resources: 
¹ Where They Live by the National Science Foundation
² Possible Cure for Deadliest Jellyfish Sting Discovered by Tia Ghose
³ Chironex fleckeri by the Centre  for Disease Control of the Northern Territory Government