NATIONAL NEWS - A 64-year-old grass cutter was attacked by a swarm of bees this morning while working on a property in Cottonlands, KZN.
The Witness reports that, according to Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) spokesperson Prem Balram, the incident happened after the man accidentally disturbed a hive, resulting in multiple stings to his face and body.
He said residents in the vicinity contacted Rusa just before 08:30, reporting that the man had become unresponsive.
“Reaction officers, along with Rusa paramedics, were immediately dispatched to the scene,” he said.
When first responders arrived, they found the man conscious but severely stung.
He had played dead in an effort to stop the attack. Officers, assisted by a resident, safely moved him out of danger.
The man received medical treatment at the scene before being taken to a nearby hospital.
KZN Bee Farmers Association chairperson Dieter Meier said attacks are not unusual.
Bee attacks happen from time to time, usually by accident, when people are unaware of a hive nearby, in a tree or in the ground.
He advised that the best response is to get indoors as quickly as possible.
“When running, don’t flail your arms. It’s hard, but waving only gives bees more areas to sting and triggers attack pheromones that attract more bees. Try to cover your face as well,” Meier said.
On handling stings, Meier warned against grabbing the sting, as the venom sac is often still attached.
“Use something sharp, like a debit card or knife, to scrape it off, or risk injecting more venom,” he said.
Caxton publication, The Citizen
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