As August approaches, caution is advised regarding bee sting incidents. This is a time when bee activity increases, coinciding with vacations, hiking, and outdoor agricultural work.
According to data released by the National Fire Agency on July 21, 78.7% of bee sting-related emergency transports over the past three years occurred between July and September. September had the highest number of cases at 2,040 (29.2%), followed by August with 1,880 (26.9%) and July with 1,578 (22.6%).
To avoid bee stings, it is advisable to pay attention to clothing choices.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the National Fire Agency recommend wearing light-colored clothing, such as white, instead of dark colors, which bees may perceive as threats and respond to more aggressively.
Wearing a wide-brimmed light-colored hat and long clothing to minimize skin exposure can also help. Strongly scented perfumes, cosmetics, and sweet beverages can attract bees, so caution is advised during outdoor activities.
When encountering a bee, avoid waving your hands or arms. If you disturb a nest, do not flail your arms, but protect your head and leave the area quickly. Actions like crouching or lying on the ground in surprise can increase the likelihood of being stung.
Attempting to remove a bee nest can also be dangerous. If bees are repeatedly entering and exiting an area, it is likely that a nest is nearby, and it is best to avoid approaching. Instead of trying to remove a nest, move to a safe location and call emergency services.
If stung, check for the stinger and remove it safely. Clean the wound with water and apply a cold compress to alleviate discomfort.
Most people experience only pain or swelling at the sting site, but some may suffer from an acute allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.
Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, widespread hives, or loss of consciousness require immediate attention. In severe cases, this can lead to a drop in blood pressure and cardiac arrest, posing a life-threatening situation.
In fact, over the past three years, there have been 66 reported cases of cardiac arrest following bee stings: 24 in 2023, 22 in 2024, and 20 last year. On July 14, a man in his 70s collapsed after being stung while working in a field and required CPR before being transported to a hospital.
The National Fire Agency emphasized that bee sting incidents often occur in remote areas during activities like hiking, agricultural work, or clearing fields, making prompt response crucial. They urged individuals to avoid attempting to remove nests and to seek immediate help from emergency services if any unusual symptoms arise after a sting.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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