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A slight sting from Carukia barnesi, which is always
less than 2 centimeters
tall (unless it is misidentified), can be a terrible experience, called
Irukandji Syndrome, for a human.
The name Irukandji derives from the aboriginal tribe that formerly lived
in the Cairns region of Australia where most stings occur.
At first, the sting is mild. About ten minutes later, the skin where
the sting occurred begins to sweat intensely. Within roughly 20 to 30
minutes, there are
intense pains in the stomach, limbs, back and head. Breathing is difficult;
vomiting or coughing may occur. It is probably lethal, although this has
not been definitively demonstrated.
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