Finding Venom: The Hunt For Malaysia's Dangerous Jellyfish

 

In very welcome and long-overdue news, Malaysia's The Star is reporting that researchers are in the process of identifying dangerous jellyfish species local to seas around Sabah. A first of its kind, this is a great initiative by a committed number of scientists that will shed light on a growing problem and hopefully lead to real and meaningful change. Malaysia desperately needs a system of dangerous jellyfish safety and awareness to reduce the risk of serious stings and death that have gone under-reported for decades. 

On Saturday, 09 Nov 2024, The Star's Muguntan Vanar wrote:

Experts aim to identify venom from 17 jellyfish species

A team of experts led by Lahad Datu Hospital is working on identifying venom from 17 jellyfish species found in Sabah waters.

They hope to gain better knowledge and possibly seek out appropriate antidotes to treat deadly stings.

Jellyfish sting incidents in Malaysia remain poorly documented, with only 15 recorded deaths from 1990 to 2022, six of which occurred in Sabah, said Lahad Datu Hospital senior registrar in emergency and trauma department Dr Muhamad Naim Ab Razak.

These figures may not accurately reflect the true extent of jellyfish sting incidents, he said.

He believed that fatal stings – particularly those that impacted children from among island and coastal communities – might not have been reported.

“Many of these incidents go unreported due to the undocumented status of victims or adherence to local burial practices,” he said.

Furthermore, he said jellyfish sting is not mandatory to be reported to the Health Ministry.

Historical records trace jellyfish-related deaths in Malaysian waters to 1992 in Labuan, he said, adding that the data on Malaysia’s jellyfish biodiversity remains limited.

In an interview, Dr Naim said he began his research after treating critically injured children, following jellyfish stings.

As such, he believed there is a need for a more comprehensive study in Malaysia after initial scepticism about the existence of dangerous jellyfish in Sabah.

He hoped through a partnership with various experts, they would be able to bridge the knowledge gap through further research.

Lahad Datu Hospital has partnered with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), the Malaysian Society on Toxinology, Remote Envenoming Consultancy Services and the IOI-Westpac Harmful Jellyfish Initiative to conduct in-depth research to better understand the venomous jellyfish found in Sabah.

According to Dr Muhamad Naim, eight of the 17 recorded jellyfish species are hazardous to humans including the Chironex yamaguchii box jellyfish.

He said in 2019, researchers from UMS confirmed the identity of the Chironex yamaguchii through morphological and DNA analysis, finding a 99.82% match with specimens from Japan.

“Known locally as ‘balung’, these jellyfish are especially prevalent during krill seasons.

“Although the body is non-toxic and can even be consumed, its tentacles contain millions of stinging cells (cnidocytes) that inject venom into humans through needle-like structures called nematocysts.

“While we focus on the venom of Chironex yamaguchii, we are also investigating the presence of other dangerous species, including a yet-to-be-confirmed Morbakka-type box jellyfish found in Sabah,” said Dr Naim, who has been researching jellyfish since 2016.

Jellyfish contains a primary toxin among other chemicals that affect human health, particularly the heart, lungs and nervous system.

“Severe stings can lead to potentially fatal complications, particularly in children who are more susceptible to the effects of venom,” he said.

In cases of jellyfish stings, Dr Naim advised people to stay calm, apply vinegar to the affected area for 30 seconds, carefully remove any tentacles using cloth or tweezers and seek medical help immediately.

Vinegar, he said, is not a definitive treatment but inhibits nematocysts from releasing more venom.

He said treatment provided in hospitals would typically include pain relief, antibiotics, wound care and cardiopulmonary support if needed.

“For severe cases, anti-venom is available at select coastal hospitals in Sabah, including Lahad Datu Hospital, Duchess of Kent Hospital in Sandakan and Likas Women and Children’s Hospital.

The anti-venom available in Malaysia, however, is specifically developed for stings from Australia’s Chironex fleckeri box jellyfish and costs RM2,700 per vial.

“Critical patients may require up to six vials, alongside intensive care, making this treatment costly,” he said, adding that preliminary studies show the anti-venom’s potential effectiveness for stings from Malaysian jellyfish though further research is necessary to ensure its effectiveness and safety.

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Postscript February 2025: One of Malaysia's most distinguished marine scientists, Professor Datuk Dr Zulfigar Yasin who was a key figure in establishing the Centre for Marine & Coastal Studies (CEMACS) passed away in February 2025. We acknowledge his immense contribution to marine science in Malaysia, South-East Asia and throughout the world and send condolences to his family and broader science community. RIP.

PHOTO FROM ORIGINAL ARTICLE IN THE STAR