Elderly couple attacked by over 10,000 wild bees in northern Thailand

An elderly couple in the northern province of Tak suffered a terrifying attack by a swarm of over ten thousand wild bees. The couple, both around 70 years old, was sitting in front of their house near the Ping River in the Baan Tak district when the bees descended upon them without warning.

The couple endured multiple stings all over their faces and bodies, with the woman suffering more serious injuries that left her paralyzed and unable to escape the scene. Her husband, however, managed to flee by jumping into the river to avoid the onslaught of stings.

The man eventually made his way to a neighbour’s house 500 meters away to seek help, despite continuing to be stung along the way. When the rescue team arrived, they had to don personal protective equipment suits and motorcycle helmets to avoid being stung themselves.

Remarkably, the swarm of bees appeared to be solely focused on attacking the two victims and ignored the rescuers entirely. The team was able to transport the couple to a nearby hospital for treatment, but the severity of their injuries and long-term effects are yet to be determined.

According to the Department of Disaster Prevention, the incident was believed to be a result of several wildfires in the northern provinces of Thailand. The toxic smoke covered the region, affecting both humans and wildlife.

The fire, understandably, also destroyed all of the beehives in the area. The massive swarm of wild bees was likely frightened and escaped from the forest, making their way to the residential area, where they attacked the couple.

While bee stings are generally considered a minor inconvenience, they can be life-threatening for those who are allergic to bee venom. Anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially fatal allergic reaction, may occur in some people who are stung by bees.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, rapid heartbeat, and a drop in blood pressure. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if someone experiences these symptoms after a bee sting.

Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. Other medications may also be used to alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications.

It is essential to note that not everyone who is stung by a bee will have an allergic reaction. However, it is always best to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention if you or someone you know experiences severe symptoms after a bee sting.