People stung by bees or wasps should immediately remove any embedded stinger with tweezers rather than their bare hands and apply a cold compress, the National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) said, following reports of emergency rescues involving hikers attacked by hornets.
Some people might develop allergic reactions to hornet venom, such as hives, deep swelling under the skin and upper airway swelling, and in severe cases, they might experience low blood pressure, go into shock or die, the agency said.
The most serious injuries are typically caused by wasp stings, with the black-bellied hornet being the most venomous, it added.
Photo courtesy of the Taipei City Animal Protection Office
Avoid strongly scented cosmetics, perfumes and hairsprays, and wear light-colored, smooth-finished clothing that covers the skin to reduce the risk of being stung, the NHIA said.
People who notice that a wasp is targeting them should remain still, check for nearby nests and carefully leave the area without provoking the insect, it said.
If stung, they should quickly leave the area to avoid being targeted by a swarm, it added.
The NHIA categorizes reactions to bee stings as nonallergic, toxic and allergic reactions.
Nonallergic reactions involve pain, irritation, itching, redness and swelling at the sting site, but most symptoms subside within a few hours, it said.
Toxic reactions usually occur after multiple stings because venom accumulates in the body, it said, adding that symptoms include swelling, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, low blood pressure, convulsions, impaired consciousness and acute kidney failure.
In rare cases, serious complications can develop, including damage to red blood cells, a low platelet count, severe muscle damage, liver dysfunction and a potentially dangerous clotting disorder, it said.
Allergic reactions are caused by hypersensitivity to substances in the venom, with symptoms ranging from localized swelling to systemic reactions such as hives, deep swelling under the skin, upper airway swelling, asthma-like symptoms and bronchial constriction, the NHIA said, adding that severe cases could result in low blood pressure, shock or death.
People can treat nonallergic symptoms by applying an ice compress to the affected area and taking antihistamines or pain relievers, it said.
People experiencing severe allergic or toxic reactions should seek medical attention immediately, it said.
Allergic reactions could manifest within minutes of being stung, making prompt treatment essential, the NHIA said.
People with a history of severe allergic reactions should carry an epinephrine autoinjector when visiting areas where bees or wasps are commonly found, it said.
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