"Stings Can Cause Death Within an Hour"…Warning on Rapidly Increasing Hornets Amid Severe Heatwave

"Avoid Perfume and Wear White Clothes"

Fire authorities have urged caution against bee sting incidents as the population of hornets has rapidly increased due to the prolonged heatwave. Bee sting incidents have surged by 40% compared to the average year.

Hornet traps are being installed in major hornet discovery areas.

According to rescue activity statistics released by the National Fire Agency on the 25th, bee sting incidents over the past three years (2021?2023) have sharply increased starting from July, when the heat begins, with an annual average of 6,213 cases.

The highest number of cases occurred in August, with an average of 1,829 cases (29.4%), followed by 1,764 cases (28.4%) in September, accounting for 57.8% of the total. July recorded 1,365 cases, making up 22.0%. Especially this year, during the summer, which is the active period for hornets, 2,583 bee sting incidents occurred, accounting for 91.8% of the total.

The number of cardiac arrest patients due to bee sting incidents was 7 in 2020, 11 in 2021, 11 in 2022, and 11 in 2023. This year, as of the 18th of this month, 8 cardiac arrest patients have been reported.

Analyzing the locations of 2,815 bee sting patients transported up to July this year, 1,049 cases (37.3%) occurred at home, representing the largest proportion, followed by sea, rivers, mountains, and fields at 24.8% (697 cases).

The National Fire Agency stated that caution is required for visitors to ancestral graves ahead of the Chuseok holiday in September. Bees show greater aggression toward dark-colored clothing and strong-scented perfumes or cosmetics, so it is advised to wear white-colored clothes and wide-brimmed hats during outdoor activities and to avoid strong-scented perfumes or cosmetics.

Additionally, if you come into contact with a beehive, cover your head and quickly move at least 20 meters away. If stung by a bee, promptly remove the stinger, disinfect or wash the affected area with clean water, and apply a cold pack to relieve pain.

The National Fire Agency emphasized, "If an allergic reaction causes anaphylactic shock after a bee sting, death can occur within an hour, so please report to 119 immediately."