Malaysia: Box Jellyfish Kills French Child / Un petit Français a succombé en Malaisie à une piqûre de méduse-boîte
Box jellyfish are most probably, though officially unnamed, the species responsible for the death of a 5-year old French boy in Malaysia this week.
Sadly, the tragic news comes as no surprise with Malaysia still unwilling to create a network of awareness including effective prevention and treatment systems as its neighbour Thailand has done with considerable success.
The boy was playing or wading in shallow water at Teluk Nipah beach on Pangkor Island with his family when he was struck by the jellyfish. He screamed in agony and was taken onto the sand where he lapsed into unconsciousness. Taken to the local health clinic, the boy was officially pronounced dead within 45 minutes.
We are sorry to say that this scenario is typical of a box jellyfish sting - a child, shallow sandy beach, an agonising scream, panicked parents, no understanding of proper treatment, shocking painful death.
We are also sorry to say that this scenario is avoidable. It does not need to happen. Government departments, officials and experts know the situation. This is not a one-off. It will happen again. Aside from the efforts of some committed individuals, apparently this pattern is acceptable, it's okay. Has been for many, many years.
To address the problem first one needs to accept that there is a problem. Is the death of an innocent child whose parents are unaware of a problem a problem? Yes. If they are aware and have a choice then is there a problem? It depends, so yes and no, but read on.
Given the knowledge that countries like Australia and Thailand make available to everyone visiting box jellyfish habitat, these parents may have decided not to allow their child into the sea. They will have seen a warning sign and may have opted for allowing the boy to play within the confines of a protective net, or dress him in a lycra stinger suit or go to a swimming pool instead.
The problem still exists, and probably always will, but at least the risk is greatly mitigated by well-informed parents and individuals making a calculated decision. For the most part, it works in Australia and it works in Thailand.
These posts are from over 10. Long. Years. Ago. Has Malaysia effectively done anything about the problem? Nope!
Alas, this hugely popular beach on the east-side of the Malay Peninsula has box jellyfish but no warning signs, no protective net, no vinegar stations, no trained beachside locals, and an ever-growing crowd of beach-goers with absolutely no idea.
The recently commissioned and published Field Guide to the Jellyfish of Western Pacific does not list a deadly species of box jellyfish in the areas of Pangkor or Langkawi or anywhere along the east coast. However, deaths have previously occurred here so clearly there is a deadly species present.
Also curiously, the official statement from the Manjung District Police chief ACP Nor Omar Sappi in relation to the French boy's death stated that an examination showed tentacle sting marks on the abdomen, left hand and left leg. An autopsy at Seri Manjung Hospital found the cause of death to be 'jellyfish envenomation' and was classified as 'sudden death'.
The type of jellyfish was not mentioned. No, it's unlikely anyone saw the jellyfish in question but the marks on the skin are unmistakable. Envenomation from other species would not kill the boy. There's only one type of jellyfish that could cause 'sudden death': a Chironex box jellyfish.
Were experts consulted by the Pangkor medical clinic or by the Seri Manjung Hospital or by the police? It seems not because this case would be crystal clear. Then, why not? Or, if they were consulted, why do we not have the true hard facts?
The answer is glaringly simple. There is no system designed and co-ordinated to protect you from the dangers of box jellyfish in Malaysia and there's no formal acceptance of a problem. Indeed, it is possible considering a long, established pattern of official responses to jellyfish fatalities, or lack thereof, that there is an alarming case of denial.
Our hearts go out to the parents and family of this poor child who through no fault of their own, and arguably some official negligence, have to live out their lives shattered by this traumatic event and irreparable loss.
It is not common knowledge that deadly, venomous box jellyfish exist in South-East Asia let alone in Malaysia. It's probably safe to say that most foreigners visiting have no clue and most locals avoid the problem through whatever means, customs and beliefs. The beauty of these places is seductive and who doesn't want to experience the joy of a child having the time of their life in paradise.
There is a problem. There is a fix. Unfortunately, after a very long time and many stings and numerous deaths, there is very little effective, meaningful action.
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