All you need to know about: bee stings

A local cricket match in Unnao recently turned tragic when a swarm of bees descended upon the ground, leaving 15-20 players injured and leading to the death of an umpire. This incident reminds us that nature can intrude suddenly into human spaces. While such events are rare, they raise questions about how bee stings can turn fatal and what should be done in those crucial first few minutes.

Bees and their stings

Bees belong to the order Hymenoptera, the same large insect group that includes wasps and ants. They are social insects that live in colonies with a queen, workers, and drones. Their bodies are divided into three parts: head, thorax, and abdomen. The sting is located at the end of the abdomen in female worker bees. The stinger of a honey bee is a modified egg-laying organ. It has a barbed structure, like a tiny lancet or a pair of saw-edged blades. This design allows it to penetrate skin and anchor firmly. Bees do not attack without reason: in most cases, they sting only when they feel threatened or when their hive is disturbed. It is a defence mechanism, not an act of aggression.

When a honey bee stings, the barbed stinger becomes lodged in the skin. As the bee pulls away, the stinger, along with part of its abdomen, tears out. The bee dies shortly afterwards. Even after detachment, the stinger continues to pump venom into the skin for several seconds. The venom contains biologically active substances, including melittin, phospholipase A2, and hyaluronidase. These proteins and enzymes cause pain, redness, and swelling. Melittin damages cell membranes, while other components trigger inflammation. The result is the familiar burning sensation and raised swelling at the site.

Reactions in humans

Most people develop a local reaction. This means pain, redness, and mild swelling confined to the sting site. It usually subsides within a few hours. Some individuals develop a large local reaction. The swelling may extend beyond the sting site, and last for two to three days. Though uncomfortable, it is not life-threatening. A small percentage of people experience anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. In this situation, the immune system overreacts to venom proteins. Blood pressure may drop suddenly. The throat may swell. Breathing becomes difficult. Without urgent treatment, this can be fatal.

In rare swarm attacks, a person may receive dozens or even hundreds of stings at once. In such cases, the problem is not just an allergy; the total venom load becomes toxic. Large amounts of venom can damage muscles, disrupt heart rhythm, injure the kidneys, and disrupt circulation. Even a person without an allergy can collapse due to venom toxicity if the number of stings is high. Death can therefore occur in two ways: severe allergic shock or overwhelming venom toxicity.

First aid: what must be done

The first step is to move the person away from the area to prevent further stings. The stinger should be removed as quickly as possible. It should be gently scraped off with a flat object, such as a credit card or the blunt edge of a knife. Pinching it with fingers may squeeze more venom into the skin and should be avoided. The area should be washed with soap and water. A cold compress can reduce swelling and pain. The person should be observed for at least thirty minutes. Warning signs of anaphylaxis include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, persistent vomiting, dizziness, fainting, or widespread rash. These symptoms demand immediate medical care. An adrenaline injection is a life-saving treatment for severe reactions; delays can be fatal.

Prevention, public safety

Bees generally live peacefully and do not disturb humans unless their hive is threatened. Outdoor events, especially in open fields or near trees, require inspection of the surroundings before matches. If hives are noticed, professional removal should be arranged. Basic emergency planning, first-aid kits, and trained personnel on site can prevent avoidable deaths. Even simple measures, such as ensuring a quick evacuation from the field and keeping players lying low, can reduce exposure during a swarm.

Understanding the science behind a sting, recognising warning signs early, and acting promptly can mean the difference between recovery and catastrophe. Nature rarely harms without provocation. But when it does, knowledge and preparedness become our strongest defence.

(Dr. C. Aravinda is an academic and public health physician. The views expressed are personal. aravindaaiimsjr10@hotmail.com)