Case review: A 28-year-old Korean man with Irukandji syndrome

A 28-year-old Korean man was airlifted by emergency helicopter from Michaelmas Cay (off the coast from Port Douglas, Queensland) following a suspected sting by an Irukandji jellyfish. He was stung on the lower right arm, with tentacle marks evident over the elbow joint. Prior to transport by the helicopter, the man was given intravenous Morphine 10 mg and Metoclopramide 10 mg but on arrival at the emergency department at 1350 h, the patient was still distressed by severe pain. The symptoms on arrival included restlessness, localized piloerection at the sting site, shivering but sweating profusely, heavy, rapid respirations and very restless legs. Little information could be provided by the patient due to the lack of English spoken. Vital signs on admission were as follows: heart rate, 100 beats per minute; respirations 35; blood pressure 160/90 and oxygen saturation 99% in room air.