Bites and stings

Box jellyfish

Box jellyfish have a rounded box shape, with venomous tentacles hanging from their body.

They are more likely to be in Northern Territory (NT) waters from 1 October to 1 June during ‘stinger season’.

However, their stings have been recorded all months of the year.

They may also be difficult to see because they appear colourless.

Habitat

Box jellyfish live in the shallow waters of the northern Australian coast.

After local rain and in calm seas, there may be many:

  • near river and creek outlets
  • around boat ramps.

Threat

Box jellyfish have venom in their tentacles that can sting and kill a person in under five minutes.

Children are also at greater risk because of their smaller body mass.

Since 1975, there have been 14 deaths in the Top End - all children.

If you're stung

If you’re stung, you may feel mild to severe pain and develop a goose bump-like skin reaction.

Your symptoms may also worsen to:

  • severe limb, abdominal and back pain
  • anxiety
  • a headache
  • vomiting
  • profuse sweating
  • difficulty breathing
  • irregular heart rate and increased blood pressure
  • Irukandji syndrome.

In extreme cases, it can lead to heart failure, swelling of the brain and death.

You should seek immediate treatment.

For more information, go to the Surf Life Saving NT website.

Irukandji syndrome

Irukandji syndrome is a condition that has mild to life-threatening symptoms.

It can occur from certain types of box jellyfish that have been found in the NT.

They may have much smaller bodies, with some as small as a thumbnail and only 4 tentacles – one off each corner of their body.

Treatment

If you or someone has been stung, follow these steps:

Step 1. Get out of the water.

Step 2. Call 000 for help or get a lifeguard to help you if they're available.

Step 3. Assess and start CPR if needed.

Step 4. Pour vinegar on the sting - don't use fresh water.

Step 5. If vinegar is not available, pick off any remaining tentacles - your fingers and palms have thicker skin so stinging will usually be minor

Step 6. Seek urgent medical help and go to a hospital immediately - antivenom treatment may be needed in severe stings.

You can also use ice or hot packs for minor stings or only ice packs for severe stings.

Prevention

To prevent a sting, you should stay out of the water where there may be jellyfish, especially during the ‘stinger season’.

If you enter the water, wear clothing that covers your exposed skin.

The more skin you cover, the greater the protection.

Special stinger suits are also available for those who do coastal water activities.

Information for health professionals

To find out more go to the NT Health website.

Contact

For more information, contact your nearest Centre for Disease Control.

Protection against mosquitoes

    Mosquitoes are an active part of the Northern Territory (NT) environment.

    Whether you are a visitor or a resident, it is important to protect yourself and your family against mosquitoes.

    Health risks

    Mosquito bites can cause temporary reactions like itching, swelling and discomfort.

    They can also spread viruses and parasites to humans.

    In the NT they can cause diseases such as:

    • Murray Valley encephalitis
    • Japanese encephalitis
    • Ross River virus

    The severity of these diseases can vary depending on:

    • the type of infection you get
    • how old you are
    • any existing health conditions you may have.

    Some mosquito-borne diseases are life threatening and require hospitalisation.

    High risk times

    Mosquitoes are active all year round, but there are times when there is increased mosquito activity.

    These are:

    • at dusk (sunset) and dawn (sunrise)
    • following heavy rains
    • during and just after the wet season in the Top End.

    Protecting against bites

    There are a limited number of vaccines available for mosquito-borne diseases, these vaccines target specific diseases and do not provide protection against other diseases transmitted by mosquitoes.

    The best protection is to avoid being bitten.

    You can protect yourself and your family by:

    • maintaining flyscreens around your home
    • staying indoors when mosquitoes are most active
    • using mosquito proof tents or sleep under a mosquito net when camping
    • using repellents containing DEET, picaridin or PMD and reapply as directed
    • using mosquito coils, candles or lanterns in outdoor areas
    • covering your feet, legs and arms in loose light-coloured clothing
    • not wearing scents like perfumes or deodorants as these can attract mosquitoes.

    In the NT, a free Japanese encephalitis vaccine is available to eligible groups, check your eligibility.

    Protecting babies and toddlers

    Babies and toddlers can be more at risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

    Always read the labels before using or applying any repellents.

    Other ways you can protect babies and toddlers:

    • dress them in long, light coloured, loose fitting clothing that covers their arms and legs
    • use mosquito-proof mesh on doors and windows so mosquitoes can’t come inside
    • use mosquito-proof netting over prams and strollers.

    Read more about protecting babies and toddlers on the SA Health website.

    Mosquitoes around your home

    Mosquitoes breed in water. This includes water left in:

    • blocked roof gutters
    • wheelbarrows
    • buckets
    • plant drip trays
    • old tyres
    • bins.

    Regularly check around your home and empty containers filled with water. Store empty containers under cover or upside down.

    You should also:

    • change your pet's water weekly
    • keep fish ponds stocked with fish
    • maintain your swimming pool
    • maintain and cover your water tank

    You can use residual barrier spray to provide longer term protection from adult mosquitoes around your house. These residual should be applied in outdoor areas according to the instructions on the label. Some products can affect other insects and animals, including fish. Spraying should be done by a licensed pest controller.

    Watch the mosquito repeller for more ideas on how to stay protected.

    Insects of medical importance

    The Northern Territory's (NT) Top End is home to a range of biting insects that can transmit diseases and cause medical conditions through their bite or sting.

    Get the 2024 mosquito pest calendars:

    The most dangerous insect is the mosquito.

    There are just over 100 species in the NT. Some feed on animals such as reptiles, frogs or birds, while others will feed on mammals, marsupials and people.

    About 20 species in the NT bite people often enough to be labelled serious pests. Some carry viruses that can cause disease.

    For more information, read common mosquitoes in the NT from the Department of Health ePublications.

    Salt marsh mosquito

    The northern salt marsh mosquito, Aedes vigilax, is the most important pest mosquito in the Top End because of its aggressive biting habits during the day and night.

    It can carry and transmit Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus disease in the NT. You need to protect yourself to avoid being bitten. The highest risk period for these diseases is from December to March.

    Get the salt marsh mosquito pest calendar from the Department of Health ePublications.

    Common banded mosquito

    The common banded mosquito, Culex annulirostris, is the most important disease-carrying mosquito in the NT.

    The mosquito is active after sundown and can carry and transmit the following viruses in the NT:

    You need to protect yourself from being bitten. The highest risk period for these diseased is from December to July.

    Treating a mosquito bite

    If you are bitten by a mosquito, don't scratch the bite as this can lead to infection. You can use ice or buy creams and gels that contain antiseptic and a local anesthetic, which helps soothe the bite.

    If the swelling becomes excessive and itchy, you may need to take an antihistamine as well. You should ask your pharmacist.

    If the bite becomes infected, you should visit your local general practitioner (GP) to make sure they give you the right medication.

    Read more about how to protect yourself against mosquitoes.

    The mangrove biting midge, Culicoides ornatus, causes widespread pest problems in mangrove areas along the NT coast.

    The midges that are found around mangroves only fly in high numbers about 1.6km from mangrove areas.

    Biting midges do not transmit disease to humans in Australia, but they cause an itchy bite that can sometimes become infected.

    Get the biting midge pest calendar from the Department of Health ePublications.

    There are other insects and spiders that can cause painful and annoying bites and stings or medical conditions in the NT.

    These include the following:

    • bed bugs
    • centipedes
    • flies
    • honey bees
    • itchy caterpillars
    • lice
    • march flies
    • mites - read about scrub typhus
    • scorpions
    • spiders
    • stinging caterpillars
    • stinging ants
    • wasps.

    Most of these rarely cause serious or longer-term after effects.

    However, some can cause anaphylactic shock. This is an extreme, often life-threatening allergic reaction.

    You can also read the following on the Department of Health website: