No one is immune to this usually black and yellow buzzing danger: in August last year, the German CFO of truck manufacturer Daimler Truck, Jochen Goetz, died at the age of 55 from an allergic reaction after a wasp sting. Small inattention or wrong reactions are enough – and it quickly becomes dangerous!
After a worker in Burgenland died from a wasp sting last week despite the use of a helicopter and emergency medical treatment, warnings are now being issued about the dangerous insects during the high season. In 2022 and 2023, there were even ten-year highs with nine deaths each – Lower Austria leads these statistics with a total of 16 cases.
Allergy shocks and suffocation: biggest danger!
“In addition, almost 1,200 clinical treatments are carried out annually due to insect bites. The reason for medical emergencies are usually allergic reactions,” informs Johanna Trauner-Karner from the Board of Trustees for Road Safety. The expert lists the most effective precautions: “You should definitely avoid hasty movements, otherwise the animals can have ’emergency reactions’. To avoid contact, you should stay away from manure tanks, which are often visited by wasps, bees and hornets.”
Risk factors and precautions
Anyone who is allergic should always carry a passport and an emergency kit in the summer. People know the application based on their body’s reactions, but it is also useful to inform people around them.
When things get dangerous – and scarce…
If there is no improvement after about 15 minutes or if severe symptoms occur, seek immediate help! Bees have a stinger that remains stuck and must be removed! To prevent “anaphylactic shock,” apply cooling compresses to the area.
Grandma’s home remedy of warming the area (a heated spoon or, if necessary, a lighter) deactivates dangerous proteins due to heat, but should be used only with caution because of burns. Also be careful with sweets, close drinks immediately after each sip.
Last but not least, it is also important to keep your eyes open around your home: if there are nesting insects, contact experts and install insect screens.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
