Deadly wasps attack 50-year-old killed by wasp stings

Man suffers deadly wasp stings on hedge sheaths

In North Rhine-Westphalia, a man died according to media reports on the consequences of several wasps stings. The allotment gardener had apparently cut hay sheaths into a wasp nest. The subsequent attacks of the insects did not survive the 50-year-old.

A wasp sting is usually not a particular health risk. Pain and swelling in the area of ​​the puncture are the usual symptoms. However, wasp stings become dangerous in allergic persons or when a sting occurs in the mouth and throat, the swelling of which blocks the trachea. An extremely high number of stings can also pose a health risk. The extent to which one of these factors (or more) was present in the deceased person has not yet been conclusively clarified.

Futile revival by the ambulance

According to current knowledge, the 50-year-old had cut the hedge in his garden in Herne and inadvertently damaged the wasp's nest. The wasps attacked and stabbed the man several times in the face. Whether also wasps got into his respiratory tract, remained unclear at first. Already on-site in the allotment garden, the alarmed ambulance tried to revive the man, but in vain, reported the news agency "dpa" of the events. An allergic shock can not be ruled out by the police so far.

How to react in case of a wasp sting?

Basically, home remedies for wasp stings can usually be of great help and it is not absolutely necessary to consult a doctor. In the case of known insect sting allergy, the suspicion of such and in the case of stings in the mouth and throat but the contact of an emergency doctor is required. Presenters should provide first aid by the time they arrive. Cooling the puncture site with an ice pack or cool pack as well as the shock storage of those affected or a breath-facilitating posture such as the "coach seat", in which people sit with their upper body bent and arms supported on their thighs, are further possible measures. If bitten become unconscious, they should be placed in a stable lateral position, and respiratory arrest requires cardiopulmonary resuscitation. (Fp)