By Lesley Hunter-Nolan, Wynnum Herald from Quest Newspapers
An urgent stonefish warning has been issued to those who enjoy the Wynnum waterfront, after a woman narrowly avoided serious injury on Anzac Day.
Synanceia horrida, Estuarine Stonefish. Stone fish have poisonous spines on their back.
Amanda Stuart, 20, was walking through shallow water barefoot near the Wynnum jetty when the potentially fatal sting occurred.
Her brothers and father sprung into action, taking her to Wynnum Hospital. She was then transported by ambulance to Redland Hospital for treatment.
“When the two spines went into my foot I was in excruciating pain straight away,” she said.
“And for a couple of days after that I felt ill with stomach cramps and vomiting, but I was lucky, it could have been a lot worse.”
When Amanda arrived at the hospital the doctor put her foot in hot water and gave her painkillers. She said the ordeal had scared her and she wanted to put out a warning to others visiting the area.
“We were all really shocked as I have never heard of stonefish in the Wynnum area before, and my aunt who has lived here for 47 years has never heard of them either,” Ms Stuart said.
“A lot of small children run around there so my warning is for parents to make sure they have footwear on and look where they are going.
“I would hate for a small one to suffer the pain I did or even worse.”
Redland Hospital emergency specialist John Sutherland said stonefish could cause severe pain when stepped on but he said a sting would almost certainly not be fatal.
“I would say a stonefish sting is something reasonably rare but they are found throughout this area,” he said.
In his five years at Redland, Dr Sutherland said he had treated about four patients and estimated there would probably be about two to three cases a year.
“Although it is reasonably rare, it is certainly not unheard of,” Dr Sutherland said.
“We would like people to beware of them, and of course if you are walking in muddy water put something on your feet.”
Dr Sutherland said if anyone was stung by a stone fish they should clean off the area and immerse the limb in warm water at about 40 degrees, as this helps to break down the venom and takes away some of the pain.
The spines of the fish contain poisonous venom unlike that of a snake, and he said in extreme cases a person could feel stomach cramps and suffer vomiting.
In some sting cases an anti-venom can also be administered at hospital.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.