A shocking bee attack in Queensland has once again highlighted how important it is for grey nomads to be prepared for all eventualities when out in the bush.
A teenage boy was hiking near Townsville with his family when he was attacked by a swarm of bees and stung more than 100 times.
The Townsville Bulletin reports that the teen may have disturbed a hive as he walked past. The European honey bees stung him largely on his face, neck and ears. Fortunately, 15-year old Royce Abraham, didn’t have any allergic reactions to the stings, and was taken in a conscious state to Townsville Hospital for treatment.
James Cook University biologist Professor Simon Robson, an expert on bee behaviour, said he had never heard of an attack of this level in the area. Bee stings are normally harmless, though painful.
However, people who are allergic to them can go into anaphylactic shock. Anyone can develop an allergy at any time. Australian population surveys have shown that up to 2.8% of people have had episodes after a bee sting consistent with systemic allergic reactions rather than just local swelling.
Bee sting anaphylaxis is estimated to result in approximately two deaths a year in Australia, with wasp stings causing an estimated one death a year. Certainly, there are many grey nomads who are acutely aware that they have an allergy to bee stings and are therefore extremely careful when travelling – particularly when in remote locations away from medical facilities.
Carrying an Epi-pen, which can be self-injected in the event of an allergic reaction, can be a reassuring insurance policy. Epi-pens should only be used when there are signs and symptoms of a severe, anaphylactic type reaction.
