A MAN narrowly escaped death and suffered multiple organ failure after being stung by a giant bee.
Although the 60-year-old was stung by the bee several times, it was only two days after the horrific incident that he began to develop a severe response.
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No one likes the idea of being stung by a bee, but it’s not something to fear unless you’re allergic to the venom.
Most people will feel some pain and itching at the site of the bite, but some may experience a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which can be fatal.
Neither of these scenarios was the case for a 60-year-old Somali man who suffered multiple organ failure days after being seriously stung by a bee.
“Although the patient suffered numerous bites and received a substantial amount of venom, an immediate anaphylactic reaction did not occur,” the Mogadishu Somali team said. Peru Training and Research Hospital wrote in a case report published in Dove Press.
“Instead, a severe delayed response leading to multiple organ failure emerged within 48 hours of the incident.”
The team said this was the first documented case of multiple organ failure resulting from a sting by a giant bee in Somalia.
“The case highlights the potential severity of bee stings, which, although often considered minor, can lead to serious medical complications,” they added.
The unidentified man from a rural area of Somalia was stung several times by a giant bee while harvesting bees, but only went to hospital a week after the incident due to limited healthcare facilities in his area.
Upon arrival, he said he had been suffering from shortness of breath and oliguria – not being able to pee properly – for six days.
Doctors noticed he had several red marks all over his body, as well as swelling, swollen eyes and difficulty breathing.
His pulse, blood pressure and blood sugar levels were also above normal, while his body temperature was slightly below average.
Blood tests indicated the 60-year-old man had acute liver and kidney damage.
Meanwhile, a chest x-ray showed he had bilateral pulmonary edema, where there was a lot of fluid accumulated in both lungs.
And an ECG, a test that records the electrical activity of the heart, also found that he suffered from a faster than normal heart rate.
Doctors started the patient on a “comprehensive” regimen of steroids, antihistamines and intravenous fluids for hydration, determining that he had suffered an allergic reaction caused by the bee sting.
“The patient responded positively to treatment and showed significant improvement,” wrote the doctors involved in his care.
“As a result, he was discharged on the seventh day of hospitalization.
“During follow-up appointments, he continued to do well, indicating a successful recovery from the acute complications that arose following the bee sting.”
In the United Kingdom, between two and nine deaths are recorded due to anaphylaxis caused by bee or wasp stings every year, according to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (COOL).
“Wasp stings in the UK cause twice as many deaths from anaphylaxis as bee stings,” he added.
Allergy UK says that a normal reaction to a bee sting – pain, swelling, redness and itching at the site of the sting – tends to last a few hours.
What we call a large local reaction, characterized by more pain at the site of the bite and in surrounding areas, as well as swelling and itching, can last a few days.
Meanwhile, a serious allergic reaction can occur quickly after a sting and involve the entire body, making you feel very unwell suddenly.
You may feel dizzy, nauseous, or weak, or experience stomach cramps and diarrhea.
The reaction can affect the eyes, causing itching around them, as well as coughing, hives and vomiting.
Anaphylaxis is associated with:
- Severe difficulty breathing due to swelling of the tongue and throat
- A drop in blood pressure resulting in fainting, dizziness, collapse and loss of consciousness
Reactions can occur within minutes, with the most serious, life-threatening reactions occurring within 30 minutes, according to Allergy UK.
That’s why it’s so important to know the symptoms and call 999 immediately if you or someone else experiences them.
You should also use an adrenaline pen as often as possible if you have one on hand.
How to Treat Insect Bites and Stings
How to treat bites and stings – according to the NHS:
- Remove bites, ticks or hair if they are on the skin.
- Wash with soap and water.
- Elevate and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Avoid scratching or popping blisters to reduce the risk of infection.
- Avoid home remedies like vinegar.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers may relieve pain or swelling.
- Talk to your pharmacist about anti-itch creams or antihistamines.
- Contact your GP or 111 if your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they worsen, if you have been stung or bitten in the mouth, throat or near the eyes, 10 cm or more around the bite becomes red or swollen, you have symptoms of an infection: pus, swelling, fever or flu-like symptoms.
- Call 999 if you have a serious reaction, for example, wheezing or breathing difficulties, a swollen face, mouth or throat, feeling sick, fast heartbeat, dizziness or feeling faint, difficulty swallowing or loss of consciousness.
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