Has anyone on these forums been bitten by a Box Jellyfish or Blue bottle?

Question

Is it painful? What does it feel like?

Answer 1

The STING of these animals is intensely painful and deadly.


Box jellyfish use powerful venom contained in epidermic nematocysts to stun or kill their prey prior to ingestion, or as an instrument for defense. Their venom is among the most deadly in the animal kingdom and has caused at least 5,567 recorded deaths since 1884.[1] Most often, these fatal envenomations are perpetrated by the largest species of box jellyfish, Chironex fleckeri, owing to its high concentration of nematocysts, though at least two deaths in Australia have been attributed to the thumbnail-sized irukandji jellyfish (Carukia barnesi).[2] Those who fall victim to Carukia barnesi suffer several severe symptoms known as Irukandji syndrome.[3]
The Blue Bottle:
The sting from the tentacles is potentially dangerous to most humans; these stings have been responsible for several deaths, but usually only cause excruciating pain. Detached tentacles and specimens washed up on shore can sting just as painfully as the full creature in the water, for weeks after detachment. The venom can travel up to the lymph nodes and may cause, depending on the amount of venom, more intense pain. In extreme cases medical attention is necessary.

According to a study done by Dr. Geoffrey Isbister of Newcastle, Australia's Mater Hospital in 2003 through 2005, the best treatment for a sting is to apply hot water to the affected area. Hot water used in the study was fixed at 45 degrees Celsius (113 Fahrenheit). The hot water eases the pain of a sting by denaturing the toxins.[1]

Applying ice to the area of the sting is also a fairly effective way to suppress the pain. Ice works by making the toxins less active and reduces the sensation and therefore pain of the area of skin around the ice. Additionally, ice constricts blood vessels, reducing the speed at which the poison travels to other parts of the body, including the brain; heat has an opposite effect. It was originally thought that applying ice was the best way of dealing with Man O' War stings before the study was done. Lifesavers around the world still use ice to treat the stings of this species.

The use of vinegar to treat stings is controversial. It appears that vinegar can make the sting more painful in some cases, while other victims report relief after applying vinegar. One should never apply vinegar while the tentacle is still attached to the body, as this will cause the stinging cells to inject more venom.

It is often confused with a jellyfish, which is incorrect and may lead to improper treatment of stings, as the poison is different. A second sting may lead to an allergic reaction.

The Loggerhead Turtle is apparently immune to Man O' War toxins, as the turtles are commonly seen feeding on the Man O' War.

Answer 2

Blue Box Jellyfish

Answer 3

omg, I was bitten by a jellyfish before.It was back when I was 12 yrs, old. We lived in Fla. and me and my parents all went on a picnic at some sort of lake or something, any way instead of me walking up to the water and looking around, I just took off running. I was going to just jump in, so I jumped and I looked down into the water while I was in the air and man it was like being in a horror show, all I saw were jellyfish. Big ones, little ones, fat, skinny,,you name it they were there.I wished I could have stopped the hands of time. I would be in mid-air, just hanging there. Anyway, I guess you know. Splash, right down in the middle of them, I was screaming and doing anything I could to get on shore. When I finally got out of the water I had one wrapped right around my stomach. I pulled it off.I had red marks all over my stomach, because I had a two piece on. I'll never forget that day as long as I live.

Answer 4

i wasnt bitten by a blue bottle, rather it was of the vodka variety.
it didnt feel to bad, it actually felt great, but the next morning i thought i was gonna die. hope i helped :0)

Answer 5

sorry no