Sunday, July 6, around 9 a.m., a swarm of bees attacked the city center of Aurillac, Cantal, spicy 24 people. Three of which were placed in absolute emergency. One of them even underwent cardiorepiratory arrest before being resuscitated by the emergency services. This brutal outburst of insects surprised the population. The police have also completed the streets for more than an hour.
According to the first hypotheses mentioned by the mayor, it would be an attack on Asian hornets which would have triggered panic in the colony of bees. This caused a defensive reaction as impressive as they are inhape.
The dangers of multiple bites and alert signs
If bee bites are generally benign, they can become very dangerous in the event of severe allergic reactions or multiple bites. Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of True Medical, recalls this.
“In the event of a bee or wasp, the majority of reactions remain benign, but there are situations where the intervention of the emergency services becomes urgent”.
He recommends using the SAMU or the firefighters from the first signs of serious allergy. There is in particular:
- Swelling of the throat or tongue;
- A hoarse voice;
- Significant swelling of the face or lips;
- Breathing difficulties;
- A generalized rash;
- Or a voltage drop.
Some situations are critical even without known allergy. “”A bite in the mouth or throat can cause dangerous edema. He is able to block the respiratory tract “specifies the doctor. Children or the elderly are particularly vulnerable.
The number of bites is also a criterion of severity not to be underestimated.
“”Multiple bites also represent a danger. Beyond five simultaneous bites, we speak of risk of systemic toxicity“, he explains. And when the symptoms intensify quickly, in the ten to thirty minutes after the bite,”This is again an alert signal not to ignore“.
What are the gestures that save, to apply immediately?
When a bite occurs, responsiveness can save a life. If the person knows himself allergic and has an Epipen type self-injector pen, his use must be immediate. While waiting for help, a few simple gestures can make the difference.
“”It is recommended to lengthen the person with raised legs, unless they have respiratory difficulties“Indicates Dr. Kierzek. In the particular case of a bite in the throat,”Successing an ice cube can help limit swelling “.
Another crucial point, knowing how to differentiate a wasp bite from that of a bee. Because in the case of the latter, “The dart must be removed by scraping with a nail or a rigid card, especially not to pinch to avoid injecting more venom“. Once the dart extracts, it is essential to disinfect the area and apply cold to relieve the pain.
The doctor also advises to consult if pain, redness or swelling persist beyond 48 hours, or in case of signs of infection such as pus or fever. Asthmatic or cardiac people must also be closely monitored.
Prevention remains the best weapon against these accidents
“Be careful never to put your hand or foot in a grove, a bush or a place where hymenoptera nests could be present. And it is important to always check the interior of your glass or its cans outdoors, before drinking“Insists Dr. Kierzek.
Simple gestures like avoiding walking barefoot in the grass, do not wear too colorful or fragrant clothes, cover drinks or avoid sudden movements when an insect revolves around you make it possible to remove the risk and avoid bites.