Irukandji Syndrome outside of Australia?

[Mantasscareme]

There's been a lot of talk about a newly discovered jellyfish found in Australia that has caused two human fatalities. I was thinking of a dive trip to Fiji, but after reading that there's a chance that Irukanji aren't limited to Australia, I've been having second thoughts about diving anywhere in the South Pacific during Aussie stinger season December-May. Has anyone heard of there being cases of Irukandji Syndrome outside of Australia, in areas like Fiji and Palau? If so, would your run of the mill wet suite or dive skin be enough protection?
Thanks
-Mantasscareme

 

[DI_Guy]

There's been a lot of talk about a newly discovered jellyfish found in Australia that has caused two human fatalities...... -Mantasscareme

I was interested in info about the Irukandji (Carukia barnesi) and found the following web sites

http://www.barrierreefaustralia.com/the-great-barrier-reef/irukandji.htm

and

http://www.reef.crc.org.au/discover/plantsanimals/irukandji/#6

They are normally in the deeper waters but get swept upwards in the shallower waters sometimes. ( nasty little fellas, we have to be careful because they are so small )

Each year, varying numbers of people are stung - from only a few to more than 200 people. In the summer of 2001-2002, approximately 160 people were stung by mid February (approximately 100 people in Cairns, 10-15 in Townsville, 20 in the Whitsundays, 10-12 in Great Keppel, 15 in Agnes Waters).

Have a look at the website, very interesting.

 

[Scubaroo]

Diving ops don't stop diving during those months in Australia - but a full body suit would be advisable!

 

[Spoon]

i have friends who dive in palau all the time and even during those seasons. havent heard of anything resembling irukandji stings over there