A 17-year-old boy has died in hospital a week after being stung by a box jellyfish while swimming near Bamaga on Queensland's western Cape York. The incident occurred at Patterson Point on February 22.
The Royal Flying Doctor's Service was called, and the teenager was intubated before being flown to Townsville Hospital's Intensive Care Unit. Queensland police confirmed the boy died on Monday, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
Marine biologist Lisa-Ann Gershwin said this is the first recorded box jellyfish fatality in 15 years, with the previous death also occurring in Bamaga. Box jellyfish, or Chironex fleckeri, are the world's most venomous animal, capable of causing cardiac arrest.
Dr. Gershwin emphasized that fatalities are avoidable, noting that people in remote communities are disproportionately affected due to a lack of education and reminders about stingers. She called for increased protection and awareness in rural areas.
Former mayor Eddie Newman said the death has reverberated through the community, despite warning signs about stingers. The Northern Peninsula Area Council has erected signs at coastal swimming spots, warning against entering the water during stinger season.
This death marks the 79th box jellyfish fatality since Australian records began in the late 1800s.
