Wasp Sting Accidents on‌ the Rise: Take ⁣Precautions to Stay ⁢Safe

At around⁣ 1:20 PM on the 19th of last month, Mr. A, in his 50s, collapsed complaining of difficulty breathing after being stung by a bee ⁤in Haenam-gun,​ Jeollanam-do. Mr. ​A was transferred to a nearby hospital, but died about an hour⁤ later.

The ⁢National Fire Agency has issued ‌a special warning to take special precautions against wasp stings as the wasp population has rapidly increased and ⁤become more active due to the prolonged heat wave.

According to the National Fire Agency’s statistical⁢ survey, a total of 18,640​ bee sting accidents occurred over the past three years (’21-’23). The annual average was 6,213, and the number began to increase rapidly starting in ⁤July when the‍ heat began.

In ⁤particular, ‌the number⁣ of bee sting accidents has increased significantly this year. The ⁤number of⁣ bee sting accidents that occurred from January to ‍July was 2,815, which is about a 40% increase from the ‍previous year.

There were 7 cardiac ​arrest patients due to bee stings in ​2020,⁣ and ⁢11 ‌patients each from ⁢2021 to 2023. This year (as of August 18), there have already been 8 cardiac arrest patients.

Prevention is Key: Tips to Avoid Bee Stings

According to the National Fire Agency, to prevent⁣ bee⁣ stings, wear ‍white clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and ⁤avoid‍ perfume or strongly scented cosmetics.

When you come ⁢into contact with a bee hive, cover your head and quickly run away to a distance of more than 20 meters. If you are stung by a bee, quickly remove the stinger, disinfect the stung area, wash it​ with clean water, and apply an ice pack or ⁤similar to relieve the pain.

What to Do⁢ in ⁣Case ‍of an Emergency

If anaphylactic shock occurs due to bee venom‍ allergy, ‌vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing may occur, so you should report to 119 and seek medical treatment.

Kim Jae-woon, ‍the head of the rescue team, said, “The number​ of bee sting accidents has increased sharply compared to previous years, so special care is required when engaging in outdoor activities.” He​ added, ‌“If an‌ allergic reaction to a‌ bee sting causes ‘anaphylactic​ shock,’ death can occur within‍ an hour, so please report it ⁢quickly to⁤ 119.”