Bee stings are a common outdoor nuisance and could be a natural intervention against invading forces. Recent reports from Ukrainian news outlets claimed that Russian soldiers were caught off guard after being attacked by a swarm of bees, killing three of them and injuring 25 more.
Most bees do not attack humans except when their hive is being destroyed. Read further to learn about how bee stings could be deadly and what to do if you get stung.
Ukrainian Bees Attack Kills 3 Russian Soldiers, Injures 25 More: What Makes Bee Sting Deadly?
A Freak Attack of Swarm of Bees in Ukraine
According to Daily Star, the small but mighty flying pollinators left their hive near the village of Chelburds, Oleshkovsky district in Ukraine, and darted into a camp of Russian soldiers, who had been pestering them due to the lack of food.
It is the second time that nature has helped quell the Russian invasion in Ukraine, as a pair of wild geese were also previously blamed for the army plane that crashed in the swamp.
Although the kind of species that attacked the Russian soldiers was not revealed, it is possible that they were attacked by the most dangerous bees in the world, which are not typically found in Europe.
These so-called killer bees, also known as Africanized honey bees, are known to swarm their target in thousands to simultaneously attack, injecting them with a devastating amount of venom.
This deadly insect is known for its gruesome attacks, going for the eyes and filling the victim's nostrils, ears, and mouths. When being attacked, one should run several hundreds of yards to escape the stinger onslaught.
Why Are Bee Stings Deadly?
Bees jabbed a barbed stinger into their target's skin to sting them. Mayo Clinic explains that bee sting venom is deadly because it is composed of proteins that affect skin cells and trigger the immune system, leading to very large swelling in the sting site or the whole portion of the body.
The major chemical responsible for this is melittin, which stimulates the nerve endings of pain receptors in the skin resulting in a very uncomfortable sensation that starts as sharp pain and lasts for a couple of minutes before it becomes a dull ache. The pricked tissue may still be sensitive to touch even a few days later.
According to Mount Sinai Health Library, symptoms of bee stings could include swelling in the throat, lips, tongue, and mouth. It can also cause rapid heart rate, severe decrease in blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and make one collapse.
Moreover, bee stings irritate the skin, hence the itching, swelling, and painful sensation. It could also cause abdominal cramping, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Many survive a bee sting, but it can be deadly if you are allergic to the bee sting or bee venom . Bee stings could cause anaphylaxis, a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to something you're allergic to.
One is allergic to bee stings when there is itching, hives or swelling over a large part of the body after being stung. The face, throat or tongue may also start to swell. The person may be wheezing, have trouble breathing or experience hoarseness.
Honey bee stingers usually remain in the skin when the bee leaves because it is barbed. Immediately remove the stinger because the venom continues to enter the skin from it for about 45 to 60 seconds following the sting. Wash the site after, then apply a cold compress to alleviate the pain. Aerosol or a cream antihistamine may also help. But it is best to seek medical attention immediately when the sting is in the neck or mouth.
RELATED ARTICLE: 3 Interesting Types of Bee Venom Therapy
Check out more news and information on Bees in Science Times.
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