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Bee sting kills man

Posted on January 13, 2010, 9:09am and updated on January 15, 2010 at 10:25 am

A Mount Gambier man died on Monday after he was stung by a bee.

The man, a local business operator aged in his early 50s, died on Monday afternoon, shortly after he was stung on his neck while travelling as a passenger in a truck from Kingston.

SA Ambulance Service Limestone Coast patient services manager Andrew Thomas said the man died due to anaphylaxis, the most severe form of allergic reaction, and SA Ambulance staff assisted medical staff at the Kingston Medical Clinic in attempts to resuscitate him shortly after he was stung.

Mr Thomas said, as far as he knew, it was the first death from a bee sting in the region in a long time.

The signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis may occur almost immediately or within the first 20 minutes after exposure, and may affect breathing and/or heart and blood pressure.

“Anaphylaxis is a very serious condition,” Mr Thomas said.

He said those who knew they were allergic to insect venom or food should always ensure they had anti-histamine tablets or epipens at hand to self-administer medication immediately and wear medic alert bracelets at all times to assist medical staff in times of emergency.

“If you are unaware that you are allergic and show a reaction, phone 000 for an ambulance immediately, remain calm and monitor rashes and breathing until help arrives,” Mr Thomas said.

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