Box jellyfish sting triggers emergency airlift to Suva

A person had to be medically evacuated from Vunisea to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva following a suspected box jellyfish sting.

Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa confirmed the evacuation yesterday, saying no deaths had been recorded so far, but the risk remained serious.

The warning comes after several people were treated at the Ministry of Health’s Hyperbaric Unit, a specialised facility for conditions involving breathing difficulties.

Minister for Fisheries Alitia Bainivalu urged the public to take the warning seriously.

“If you experience pain, breathing difficulty, dizziness, or any unusual symptoms after being in the water, seek medical attention immediately,” she said.

Authorities have advised removing affected persons from the water immediately and applying vinegar continuously for at least 30 seconds, while avoiding fresh water.

Visible tentacles should be carefully removed and urgent medical assistance sought. CPR should be started if the person is unresponsive.

The public is also urged to report any jellyfish sightings to health authorities.

Box jellyfish are highly venomous and are commonly found in warm, calm coastal waters, particularly near beaches, mangroves and river mouths.

Their stings can cause severe pain, breathing difficulties, heart complications and, in extreme cases, death.