Bee and wasp stings are typically painful but harmless, often causing only localized swelling and discomfort. However, in rare cases, they can trigger a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis—a potentially life-threatening condition.
Dr. Idit Lahover-Rot. Photography: Rambam HCC
Tragically, a man in his 40s from Northern Israel recently died after being stung by a wasp. “Approximately two percent of the population are allergic to bee or wasp venom,” explains Dr. Idit Lahover-Rot, director of the Allergy & Clinical Immunology Unit at Rambam Health Care Campus. “The allergic reaction can develop after repeated exposure—sometimes after the second sting, or even the tenth. The exact mechanism is unclear.”
Lahover-Rot notes that allergic responses can range from widespread skin rashes to full-blown anaphylactic shock. Symptoms may include throat swelling, a sudden drop in blood pressure, dizziness, loss of consciousness, and in extreme cases, death.
“The most urgent and effective treatment is an adrenaline autoinjector, such as an EpiPen,” she emphasizes. “Administering it as soon as possible after the sting can be life-saving and prevent the reaction from escalating.”
For those diagnosed with venom allergies, or even suspected of having one, venom immunotherapy offers a long-term solution. This treatment, commonly known as allergy shots, gradually desensitizes the immune system to the venom, reducing the severity of future reactions. “Anyone with a known allergy—or undergoing treatment—must carry an EpiPen at all times,” advises Lahover-Rot.
Individuals who have experienced allergic reactions are advised to undergo a formal allergy evaluation. If necessary, they should begin immunotherapy, which typically spans five years and continues to offer protection even after completion.
