Beware the sting of wasps and hornets as it could be fatal
In recent years, Malaysia has witnessed a series of heartbreaking incidents resulting from encounters with stinging insects such as wasps and hornets.

These tragedies serve as stark reminders of the potentially lethal consequences of such encounters and underscore the importance of understanding, awareness and preventive measures.

As human development expands into natural areas, habitats for hornets and wasps are destroyed or fragmented.

Forests, meadows and other natural landscapes where these insects typically reside are being cleared for agriculture, urbanisation and infrastructure development.

This forces hornets and wasps to seek new nesting sites, often in close proximity to human habitation.

These can include human-made structures such as buildings, eaves and utility poles.

This brings them into closer contact with humans, increasing the likelihood of encounters and potential conflicts.

Below is a list of just some of the more recent encounters reported:

A 22-year-old woman succumbed to a poisonous wasp sting in Buntong, Perak, in February (2024).

A 42-year-old man met a fatal end after being stung by wasps in Segamat, Johor, last December (2023).

A 58-year-old woman hiking in Bukit Gambir, Penang, died after being stung by hornets last November (2023).

A 28-year-old man operating a backhoe in Kulim, Kedah, fell victim to a fatal wasp sting last May (2023).

A 72-year-old man died after being stung by hornets in Miri, Sarawak, in November 2022.

A five-year-old child lost his life after being stung by wasps in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, in June 2022.

A two-year-old girl in Pakan, Sarawak, and a 11-year-old boy in Hulu Dungun, Terengganu, both lost their lives following wasp stings in two separate incidents in July 2021.

These cases highlight the indiscriminate nature of these insects, whose venom can pose significant threats to human life, regardless of age.

The vulnerability of children in particular to such incidents underscores the need for heightened vigilance, especially in areas prone to insect activity.

The loss of lives in these incidents serves as a sobering reminder of the need for greater awareness and preventive measures to mitigate the risks posed by stinging insects.

If you are stung

Wasps and hornets, which both belong to the Hymenoptera order, are insects with significant medical implications.

Wasp stings are notorious for eliciting allergic responses, ranging from mild to severe, including anaphylaxis.

Even a single sting, particularly in individuals already previously sensitised to the venom, can provoke such reactions.

In rare cases, systemic toxic reactions may occur, typically following mass envenomation by a swarm of wasps.

The kidneys are commonly affected in such instances.

Numerous case reports have documented occurrences of acute kidney injury, necessitating renal replacement therapies, due to mass envenomation by wasps.

However, it is important to note that while fatalities from wasp stings do occur, they are relatively rare compared to other causes of death in Malaysia.

Nonetheless, it’s crucial to emphasise the need for caution and awareness when dealing with stinging insects to prevent potentially harmful encounters.

Encouraging people to take precautions, such as avoiding disturbing nests and seeking medical attention if stung, can help reduce the risk of serious outcomes from wasp encounters.

If you are attacked by wasps or hornets, it’s important to take immediate action to minimise the risk of injury and ensure your safety.

Here are the steps to follow if you find yourself in such a situation:

> Stay calm

Try to remain calm and avoid panicking.

Sudden movements or loud noises can agitate the insects further and increase the likelihood of being stung repeatedly.

> Move away slowly

If possible, slowly and calmly move away from the area where the attack occurred.

Hornets and wasps usually defend a specific territory around their nest, so putting distance between yourself and the nest can help reduce the risk of further attacks.

> Protect yourself

Cover your face and head to prevent stings to these sensitive areas.

Use your hands, clothing or any available materials to shield your face and head from the insects.

> Seek shelter

If there is nearby shelter, such as a building or vehicle, seek refuge inside to avoid further exposure to the insects.

Close doors and windows to prevent them from entering.

> Remove stingers

If you have been stung, carefully remove any visible stingers as soon as possible.

Scrape them out with a blunt object such as a fingernail or plastic card (e.g. credit card or membership card).

Avoid using tweezers, as squeezing the stinger can release more venom.

> Seek medical attention

If you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness, or nausea, seek medical help immediately.

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and requires prompt treatment with adrenaline and other interventions.

> Monitor symptoms

Even if you do not have a known allergy to hornet or wasp venom, monitor your symptoms closely after being stung.

Some people may develop allergic reactions over time, and symptoms can escalate rapidly in severe cases.

> Avoid disturbing nests

Take precautions to avoid disturbing hornet or wasp nests in the future.

Be mindful of your surroundings while outdoors, especially in areas where stinging insects are known to nest, such as trees, bushes or eaves of buildings.

Practise prevention

Hornets and wasps typically do not attack humans unless they feel threatened or provoked.

However, accidents can happen, especially if people inadvertently disturb their nests or get too close to their foraging areas.

It’s essential to remain cautious and respectful when encountering hornets and wasps to minimise the risk of unintentional encounters and potential stings.

By taking preventive measures and notifying authorities when nests are observed, we can help ensure the safety of both humans and these valuable pollinators.

Follow these preventive measures:

> Practise awareness and caution

Upon noticing a hornet or wasp nest in your neighbourhood, do exercise caution, especially during outdoor activities.

Avoid disturbing the nest or provoking the insects, as this could lead to stings and potential injuries.

> Contact the Fire and Rescue Department

Residents should promptly contact the Fire and Rescue Department (commonly known as Bomba) or other relevant authorities to report the presence of the nest.

These trained professionals will assess the situation and take necessary steps to safely remove the nest.

Depending on the species and location of the nest, relocation to a safer area may be possible.

Dr Vinoth Kumarasamy is a parasitologist and lecturer at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. For more information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and should not be considered as medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this article. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
Wellness,Insect bites,wasps,hornets,venom,allergy,anaphylaxis
Encounters with stinging insects like wasps and hornets can be fatal, and rapid urbanisation is increasing the chances of such incidents.