How to prevent stingray injuries. What are the symptoms of a stingray sting. How to treat a stingray wound. When to seek medical attention for a stingray injury. What is the stingray shuffle. Why are stingrays dangerous. How to safely interact with stingrays.

Understanding Stingrays: Nature’s Underwater Predators

Stingrays are fascinating creatures that have long captivated the imagination of humans. These flat, disc-shaped fish are known for their distinctive whip-like tails, which can be equipped with up to three barbed venomous spinal blades. Despite their fearsome reputation, stingrays are generally shy and prefer to avoid confrontation with humans.

There are 11 species of stingrays found in the coastal waters of the United States. These remarkable creatures can vary significantly in size, ranging from just a few inches to an impressive 6.5 feet in length. Some of the largest specimens can weigh up to 800 pounds. Their flat bodies and gray coloration provide excellent camouflage on the ocean floor, allowing them to blend seamlessly with their surroundings.

Stingray Anatomy and Behavior

Stingrays have a unique anatomical structure that sets them apart from other marine creatures. Their eyes are located on the upper side of their body, while their mouth and nostrils are positioned on the underside. This arrangement means that stingrays cannot see their prey directly and must rely on other senses to locate food.

These creatures are primarily bottom-dwellers, moving slowly across the sea floor in search of their preferred prey: small fish and crustaceans such as crabs and sea snails. As they swim, their wing-like fins create gentle ripples in the water, a telltale sign of their presence for observant beachgoers.

The Stingray’s Venomous Defense Mechanism

The most notorious feature of the stingray is undoubtedly its tail, which houses the venomous spinal blade. This structure, also known as the stinger or barb, is covered with rows of sharp spines made of cartilage. The stinger is strong enough to pierce through human skin, causing not only a painful puncture wound but also delivering a complex venom.

When a stingray feels threatened, it may use its tail as a defensive weapon. The most common scenario for human envenomation occurs when an unsuspecting swimmer accidentally steps on a stingray hidden in the sand. This explains why the legs and feet are the most frequently injured body parts in stingray encounters.

Effects of Stingray Venom

The venom injected by a stingray can cause a range of symptoms, with intense pain at the puncture site being the most common and immediate effect. However, in some cases, victims may experience additional symptoms such as:

• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fainting
• Low blood pressure
• Heart arrhythmias
• Seizures (in rare cases)

It’s important to note that while the venom itself is painful, it is rarely life-threatening. The more serious risks associated with stingray injuries typically stem from the physical trauma of the puncture wound, particularly if it occurs in sensitive areas such as the chest, abdomen, or neck.

First Aid for Stingray Injuries: Immediate Steps to Take

If you or someone you’re with is unfortunate enough to experience a stingray injury, prompt and proper first aid is crucial. Here are the immediate steps you should take:

1. Remove the victim from the water to prevent drowning.
2. Wash the wound thoroughly with clean water to remove any visible debris.
3. Control any bleeding by applying direct pressure to the wound.
4. Immerse the affected area in hot water (as hot as can be tolerated without burning) for 30-90 minutes. This helps to neutralize the venom and reduce pain.
5. If hot water is not available, apply a hot compress to the wound.
6. Seek medical attention, especially if the wound is deep or located in a sensitive area.

Is hot water immersion really effective for stingray injuries? Yes, hot water immersion is considered the standard treatment for managing the pain associated with stingray stings. The heat helps to denature the proteins in the venom, reducing its potency and alleviating pain.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Stingray Injuries

While many stingray injuries can be managed with first aid, there are certain situations where professional medical care is necessary. You should seek immediate medical attention if:

• The wound is deep or gaping
• There are signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth, or pus)
• The injury is located on the face, neck, abdomen, or chest
• You suspect there may be fragments of the stinger left in the wound
• The victim experiences severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or signs of shock
• The victim has not had a tetanus shot in the past five years

Medical professionals can provide additional treatments such as proper wound cleaning, removal of any retained stinger fragments, administration of antibiotics if necessary, and updating tetanus vaccination.

The Stingray Shuffle: A Simple Technique for Injury Prevention

Prevention is always better than cure, and when it comes to stingray injuries, a simple technique known as the “stingray shuffle” can significantly reduce your risk of an unfortunate encounter. But what exactly is the stingray shuffle?

The stingray shuffle is a method of moving through shallow water where stingrays may be present. Instead of lifting your feet and taking normal steps, you slide your feet along the bottom, creating vibrations that alert stingrays to your presence. This gives them time to swim away, reducing the chance of accidentally stepping on one.

How to Perform the Stingray Shuffle

1. Wade into the water slowly
2. Keep your feet close to the bottom
3. Slide your feet forward along the sand, rather than lifting them
4. Take small, shuffling steps
5. Continue this motion as you move through the water

Can the stingray shuffle completely eliminate the risk of stingray injuries? While the stingray shuffle significantly reduces the risk, it’s not foolproof. Always remain vigilant and be aware of your surroundings when in waters where stingrays may be present.

Mythbusting: Common Misconceptions About Stingrays

Despite their fearsome reputation, stingrays are often misunderstood creatures. Let’s address some common misconceptions:

Myth 1: Stingrays Actively Hunt Humans

Contrary to popular belief, stingrays do not actively seek out human targets. They are generally shy creatures that prefer to avoid confrontation. Stingray attacks on humans are almost always defensive reactions when the animal feels threatened or is accidentally stepped on.

Myth 2: Stingray Venom is Typically Fatal

While stingray venom can cause intense pain and other uncomfortable symptoms, it is rarely fatal to humans. The more serious risk comes from the physical injury of the puncture wound, particularly if it occurs in sensitive areas like the chest or abdomen.

Myth 3: Urinating on a Stingray Wound Helps

This is a common myth for many marine animal stings, but it’s not true for stingrays. Hot water immersion is the recommended first aid treatment, not urine. Urinating on the wound could introduce harmful bacteria and increase the risk of infection.

Stingray Conservation: Understanding Their Role in Marine Ecosystems

While it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers posed by stingrays, it’s equally crucial to understand their vital role in marine ecosystems. Stingrays are an important part of the ocean food web, serving as both predators and prey.

As bottom-dwellers, stingrays help to maintain the health of seafloor ecosystems by preying on small invertebrates and fish. This helps to control populations of these species and prevents any single species from becoming overly dominant.

Unfortunately, many species of stingrays are facing threats due to human activities. Overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change are all contributing to declining stingray populations in various parts of the world.

How Can We Help Protect Stingrays?

• Support sustainable fishing practices
• Avoid purchasing products made from stingray skin or other body parts
• If you encounter a stingray while swimming or diving, observe from a respectful distance without touching or disturbing it
• Support marine conservation organizations working to protect stingray habitats
• Educate others about the importance of stingrays in marine ecosystems

By understanding and respecting these fascinating creatures, we can coexist safely with stingrays while also ensuring their continued presence in our oceans for generations to come.

Advanced Treatment Options for Severe Stingray Injuries

While most stingray injuries can be effectively managed with first aid and basic medical care, severe cases may require more advanced treatment options. These situations are rare but can occur, particularly when the injury involves sensitive areas or when complications arise.

Surgical Intervention

In cases where there are large or deeply embedded stinger fragments, surgical removal may be necessary. This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and involves carefully extracting the foreign material while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

For severe infections or cases where wound healing is compromised, hyperbaric oxygen therapy might be recommended. This treatment involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, which can promote healing and fight certain types of infections.

Antivenin Administration

While not commonly used for stingray injuries, in extremely severe cases or for particularly vulnerable patients, antivenin may be administered. However, this is typically reserved for envenomations from certain species of stingrays known to produce more potent venom.

Are these advanced treatments commonly required for stingray injuries? No, advanced treatments are rarely needed for typical stingray injuries. The vast majority of cases can be effectively managed with standard first aid and basic medical care. These more intensive interventions are reserved for severe or complicated cases.

The Global Impact of Stingray Injuries: A Public Health Perspective

While stingray injuries may seem like a localized concern for coastal communities, they actually represent a significant global health issue. Each year, thousands of people worldwide are affected by stingray injuries, with impacts ranging from minor inconvenience to severe medical emergencies.

Epidemiology of Stingray Injuries

The exact global incidence of stingray injuries is difficult to determine due to underreporting and varying surveillance systems across different countries. However, some key patterns have emerged:

• In the United States alone, an estimated 1,500-2,000 stingray injuries are reported annually.
• Injuries are more common in tropical and subtropical regions where stingrays are abundant.
• Peak injury rates often correlate with tourist seasons in popular beach destinations.
• Males are more frequently injured than females, possibly due to differences in risk-taking behavior or water activities.

Economic Impact

The economic burden of stingray injuries extends beyond individual medical costs. Consider the following factors:

• Lost productivity due to injury recovery time
• Strain on local healthcare systems in popular tourist areas
• Potential negative impact on tourism if an area gains a reputation for frequent stingray encounters
• Costs associated with implementing safety measures and public education programs

Global Prevention Strategies

Recognizing the global impact of stingray injuries, many coastal communities and international organizations have implemented prevention strategies:

1. Public education campaigns about stingray safety and the “stingray shuffle”
2. Installation of warning signs in high-risk areas
3. Training of lifeguards and first responders in proper stingray injury management
4. Development of stingray-safe zones in popular swimming areas
5. Research into innovative protective gear for water sports enthusiasts

By addressing stingray injuries as a global public health concern, we can work towards reducing their incidence and ensuring safer coastal experiences for people worldwide.

Prevention & Treatment of Stingray Injuries

The Bottom Line

Stingrays have long, thin, whip-like tails equipped with one to three barbed venomous spinal blades. Although they are generally shy, they may strike when unintentionally stepped on. Their venom causes intense pain, but the main risk of a stingray injury is the puncture wound. Hot water immersion and good wound care are central to managing stingray injuries.

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The Full Story

The stingray has a fierce reputation and is best known for its infamous tail – long, thin, and whip-like with one to three barbed venomous spinal blades. In Greek mythology, Odysseus was killed when his son Telegonus unintentionally stabbed him using a spear tipped with the spine of a stingray. In 2006, television personality and animal activist Steve Irwin, best known as The Crocodile Hunter, died after being pierced in his chest by a stingray. Stingrays pose a threat to fishermen and beachgoers. Every year, about 1,500-2,000 stingray injuries are reported in the US.

Contrary to its reputation, the stingray is a shy and even gentle creature that would rather swim away than strike. It reserves its stinger for its predators – sharks and other large carnivorous fish. It attacks people only when it feels directly threatened, often when it’s unintentionally stepped on.

Stingrays are flat and can vary in size from several inches to 6.5 ft. in length and weigh up to 800 lbs. Their wing-like fins create ripples in the water as they swim. There are 11 species of stingrays found in the coastal waters of the US. Their flat bodies and gray color allow them to be camouflaged on the sea floor, where they move slowly to forage for their prey (small fish and crustaceans like crabs and sea snails). Interestingly, a stingray cannot see its prey because its eyes are on the upper side of its body, while its mouth and nostrils are on the underside.

The dangerous part of a stingray is its infamous tail. The spinal blade is also known as the stinger or barb. This stinger is covered with rows of sharp spines made of cartilage and is strong enough to pierce through the skin of an attacker. Not only does the puncture itself cause injury and pain, but the stinger also releases a complex venom, which leads to intense pain at the puncture site. Uncommon effects of the venom include headaches, nausea and vomiting, fainting, low blood pressure, arrhythmias of the heart, and even seizures.

The most common sites of human envenomation are the legs and feet, which makes sense because the most common reason for envenomation is a swimmer unintentionally stepping on a stingray. The envenomation is often limited to severe pain that is relieved when the area is submerged in hot water. However, complications such as infection, serious bleeding, or physical trauma can occur. Part of the spine can also remain embedded in the tissue and require medical intervention to remove it. Death is extremely rare and results not from the venom but from the puncture wound itself if it is in the chest, abdomen, or neck. Death from serious infections like tetanus has also been reported.

Treatment of stingray injuries starts with first aid. Because the puncture is often deep and considered dirty, there is high risk of infection. It’s important to wash and disinfect the area immediately and obtain a tetanus vaccine or booster if needed. The wound should be inspected for any retained spines. The standard treatment for the pain is hot water immersion. Medical evaluation and treatment in a hospital is necessary if there are any retained spines in the wound, if the puncture is deep, or if it involves the chest, abdomen, or neck.

The best way to prevent being stung by a stingray is to avoid stepping on it when in the ocean by shuffling through the sand rather than lifting your feet and walking normally (commonly referred to as the “stingray shuffle”). This will warn a stingray of your approach, and it will likely swim away. A pole or stick can also be used ahead of your feet. Divers should be cautious and avoid swimming close to the sea floor. It is also important to know where stingrays are and never provoke them.

If you have a stingray injury, check the webPOISONCONTROL^® online tool for guidance or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Serkalem Mekonnen, RN, BSN, MPH
Certified Specialist in Poison Information

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Prevention Tips

• To avoid unintentionally stepping on a stingray, shuffle or drag your feet along the sea floor rather than lifting your feet and walking normally (do the “stingray shuffle”).
• Divers should avoid swimming too close to the sea floor.
• Fishermen who unintentionally catch a stingray should not attempt to disentangle it from the net or fishing line.
• Never provoke a stingray.

This Really Happened

A 47-year-old Danish man was stung on his left ankle by a stingray while he was vacationing on the west coast of Africa. He was stung while walking in shallow waters about 10 ft. from the beach. He immediately experienced intense pain in his left ankle, and he limped to shore. A local sailor repeatedly attempted to suck out the venom with his mouth. He also brought an unknown plant root, chewed it, and applied it to the wound with a compression band.

The pain gradually lessened over the course of a few hours. The plant root and compression band were removed. On the fourth day following the injury, the man developed a high fever along with shivering. The wound had become infected. He was started on oral antibiotics, but the wound did not get better – it was red, swollen, and necrotic. He was switched to intravenous antibiotics and was eventually flown back to Denmark for continued medical treatment.

The wound was surgically cleaned. Samples of the tissue indicated a mixed infection with bacteria usually found in the human mouth. The wound slowly healed, and the man was able to return to work 3 months after the incident. (From Hønge et al.)

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For More Information

Stauffer K, Wallace RM, Galland GG, Marano N. Animal bites & stings (zoonotic exposures) [Internet]. Atlanta: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; updated 2019 Jun 24 [cited 2020 Feb 28].

References

Charnigo A, Thiele G, Ondrus R. Stingray sting [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; updated 2019 Jun 3 [cited 2020 Feb 28].

Hønge LB, Patsche CB, Jensen MM, et al. Case report: iatrogenic infection from traditional treatment of stingray envenomation. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2018 Mar;98(3):929-32

Blohm E; Brush DE. Marine envenomations. In: Nelson LS, Howland MA, Lewin NA, Smith SW, Goldfrank LR, Hoffman RS, editors. Goldfrank’s toxicologic emergencies. New York: McGraw-Hill Education; 2019.

Stingrays [internet]. Washington: National Geographic; 2018 Sep 24 [cited 2020 Feb 28].

Poisoned?

Call


1-800-222-1222


or

HELP ME online

Prevention Tips

• To avoid unintentionally stepping on a stingray, shuffle or drag your feet along the sea floor rather than lifting your feet and walking normally (do the “stingray shuffle”).
• Divers should avoid swimming too close to the sea floor.
• Fishermen who unintentionally catch a stingray should not attempt to disentangle it from the net or fishing line.
• Never provoke a stingray.

This Really Happened

A 47-year-old Danish man was stung on his left ankle by a stingray while he was vacationing on the west coast of Africa. He was stung while walking in shallow waters about 10 ft. from the beach. He immediately experienced intense pain in his left ankle, and he limped to shore. A local sailor repeatedly attempted to suck out the venom with his mouth. He also brought an unknown plant root, chewed it, and applied it to the wound with a compression band.

The pain gradually lessened over the course of a few hours. The plant root and compression band were removed. On the fourth day following the injury, the man developed a high fever along with shivering. The wound had become infected. He was started on oral antibiotics, but the wound did not get better – it was red, swollen, and necrotic. He was switched to intravenous antibiotics and was eventually flown back to Denmark for continued medical treatment.

The wound was surgically cleaned. Samples of the tissue indicated a mixed infection with bacteria usually found in the human mouth. The wound slowly healed, and the man was able to return to work 3 months after the incident. (From Hønge et al.)

Stingray Stings – Injuries; Poisoning

By

Robert A. Barish

, MD, MBA, University of Illinois at Chicago;

Thomas Arnold

, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport

Reviewed/Revised Jan 2022 | Modified Sep 2022

View Patient Education

Topic Resources

Stingrays once caused about 750 stings/year along North American coasts; the present incidence is unknown, and most cases are not reported. Venom is contained in one or more spines on the dorsum of the animal’s tail. Injuries usually occur when an unwary swimmer wading in ocean surf, bay, or backwater steps on a stingray buried in the sand and provokes it to thrust its tail upward and forward, driving the dorsal spine (or spines) into the patient’s foot or leg. The integumentary sheath surrounding the spine ruptures, and the venom escapes into the patient’s tissues.

The main symptom of a stingray sting is immediate severe pain. Although often limited to the injured area, the pain may spread rapidly, reaching its greatest intensity in &lt 90 minutes; in most cases, pain gradually diminishes over 6 to 48 hours but occasionally lasts days or weeks. Syncope, weakness, nausea, and anxiety are common and may be due, in part, to peripheral vasodilation. Lymphangitis, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, generalized cramps, inguinal or axillary pain, respiratory distress, and death have been reported.

The wound is usually jagged, bleeds freely, and is often contaminated with parts of the integumentary sheath. The edges of the wound are often discolored, and some localized tissue destruction may occur. Generally, some swelling is present. Open wounds are subject to infection.

Stingray stings to an extremity should be gently irrigated with salt water in an attempt to remove fragments of spine, glandular tissue, and integument. The spine should be removed in the field only if it is superficially embedded and is not penetrating the neck, thorax, or abdomen or creating a through-and-through injury of a limb. Significant bleeding should be staunched with local pressure. Warm water immersion, although recommended by some experts, has not been verified as an effective early treatment for stingray injuries.

In the emergency department, the wound should be reexamined for remnants of the sheath and debrided; a local anesthetic may be given as needed. Embedded spines are treated similarly to other foreign bodies. Patients stung on the trunk should be evaluated closely for puncture of viscera. Treatment of systemic manifestations is supportive. Tetanus prophylaxis should be given (see table ), and an injured extremity should be elevated for several days. Use of antibiotics and surgical wound closure may be necessary.

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Consequences of being stung by a venomous stingray

Southern stingray spines (Dasyatis americana)

Rays form one of the largest and most important groups of venomous marine animals. 2,000 stingray stings are reported annually in the US. They live in warm, subtropical and tropical waters. The favorite habitat of these passive, secretive animals is the sandy or muddy bottom of closed lagoons and estuaries, where they feed on crustaceans and molluscs.

Rays have one to four venomous stingers on the back of an elongated whip-like appendage. This tail is a cartilaginous process studded with serrated spines. It is covered with a thin layer of skin that hides two ventrolateral areas with venom glands. When the tail plunges into the prey, the epithelial lining of the glands ruptures, releasing the venom. Like other venomous fish, the shell breaks on contact with prey, allowing the venom to enter the wound. The venom contains at least 10 amino acids and toxic substances, including phosphodiesterases, 5′-nucleotidase and serotonin. When extracted, the poison is very quickly destroyed, as it is very unstable and thermolabile.

Rays only attack defensively, and this usually happens when humans inadvertently touch or step on an animal. If you touch the wings of a stingray, then it throws its tail forward, plunging it into the victim. Out of the water, a stingray can also prick a person while in a net or on a hook. There has been a documented case of injury by a person stepping on a dead, decaying animal.

Rays occasionally appear on the coast of Wales. Below is a case of a fisherman getting a lacerated wound on his lower leg from contact with a stingray.

Case description
Stingrays appeared on the coast of Wales in July 1994. An angler caught a 19 kilogram (42 lb) stingray in south Wales but was able to avoid contact with the venomous stinger. On the west coast of Wales, a fisherman caught an 18-kilogram (40 lb) stingray during a fishing event run by the Welsh Fire Department. Several colleagues helped him get the animal to shore, and, unfortunately, one of them hit the stingray, which stuck its tail into the fisherman. The sting penetrated boots (modified rubber) and trousers, tearing the shin of the left leg. The patient reported acute pain in the area of ​​the wound. Later the pain spread to the ankle. The fisherman went to the nearest emergency room. The doctor who examined him reported the incident to the Welsh National Poisons Unit, who gave advice on how to treat the injury. The wound was washed with warm water to neutralize thermolabile poisons. Then it was disinfected, and the edges of the wound were treated surgically under general anesthesia. The wound was not sutured, but bandaged, and the patient was left overnight for further observation. The patient was prescribed antibiotics, tetanus toxoid vaccine was not required. The angler was discharged the next morning and was seen by his therapist. Follow-up showed that the patient went to the emergency room again because the leg was swollen and red. The soft tissues of the leg were examined several times, and the wound healed in two months. There was an 8 cm scar on the lower leg.

Discussion
Clinical manifestation
The symptoms of the injection appear immediately. Severe pain appears in the area of ​​the wound, proportional to the severity of the injury. Swelling around the wound is constant, but its severity may vary. The wound turns blue, then erythema (violent reddening of the skin caused by capillary dilation) and petechiae (tiny hemorrhages) may appear. As a result, local tissue necrosis, ulceration, gangrene may occur. Pain peaks within 90 minutes. Without medical treatment of the wound, the pain lasts up to 48 hours. Systemic manifestations and signs can vary greatly and include nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps and fasciculations, sweating, fainting, and headaches. Cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension, convulsions and, in rare cases, death have also been reported.

Soft tissue injury from a stingray sting can be quite extensive. In addition to the stab wound, the cutting action of the spikes leads to damage and rupture of the underlying soft tissues. Most often, people injure the lower and upper limbs. Serious injuries and deaths from stings from rays are described in Cooper’s article, including fatal cases from tail strikes to the chest and abdomen. Foreign components (cartilage and epithelium) can get into the wound. Secondary infection is quite common due to the unique environment created by seawater. Pathogenic marine bacteria can be halophilic (bacteria that live in environments with high salt concentrations), heterotrophic (bacteria that need complex compounds for nutrition, since the possibilities for their synthesis are limited), motile, gram-negative. The genus of bacteria Vibrio (Vibrio) is quite common and can be very dangerous for people with weakened immune systems.

Treatment
The goal of treatment is to neutralize the local and systemic effects of the poison, reduce pain and prevent infection. The wound should be treated immediately with any available liquid. In practice, as a rule, this is sea water. Any noticeable pieces of stinger or epithelial tissue should be removed. As soon as possible, the wound should be washed with warm water (about 40 ° C) for 30-90 minutes, avoiding possible thermal damage. Heat will inactivate any thermolabile poisons. If the pain persists, it can be relieved by lavage with warm water, regional anesthesia, or wound infiltration. Vesicular fluid should be removed in a timely manner under sterile conditions. Then the wound is washed again, examined, necrotic tissues and foreign bodies are removed. With the help of X-rays, the remains of radiopaque cartilage spikes can be determined. It may be necessary to leave the wound open for a while or perform additional surgery. The prophylactic use of antibiotics is controversial, but they can be given to people who are immunosuppressed or have very serious wounds. Always remember to prevent tetanus. Patients should be observed within four hours after the injection for possible systemic reactions. Sometimes the ingestion of poison is accompanied by an allergic reaction, in which case prompt treatment of anaphylaxis is required.

Fortunately, a large number of stingrays lose or rupture the epithelial lining of glands (45% of 4000 in one study), so stingray attacks are limited to soft tissue injury without venom.
——
from: RJ Evans, R S Davies. Stingray injury. Accid EmergMed 1996;13:224-225

Treatment of bumblebee stings and allergies

Treatment of Bumblebee Bite Sites and Allergies

Provides information about bumblebee stings, advice on how to reduce the chance of being bitten, as well as information on possible reactions to the sting and treatment of the sting site. You can download a poster about bumblebee stings and allergies here.

Bumblebee, honey bee and wasp stings

Bumblebees occur naturally in many countries. In addition, bumblebees and bees are used as pollinators on agricultural and horticultural crops. There are various subspecies with different appearances, including different colors and patterns. In general, bumblebees are larger than honey bees and have more hairs than wasps.

Only worker bumblebees and queens have a sting, as is the case with honey bees and wasps. Drones can’t sting. The sting is a defensive weapon. When a bee stings, poison is injected into the wound through the sting. In humans, this causes short-term sharp pain, which then passes. Sometimes (in about 1% of cases) an allergic reaction to the injected poison develops.
The reaction to a bumblebee sting can vary.

The stinger of the bumblebee or wasp does not have notches. This means that a working bumblebee or queen can pull out the stinger and apply it again. On the sting of the honey bee there are notches. When the honey bee tries to extract the sting, it bursts out of the abdomen along with the venom gland.

How to prevent bumblebee stings?

Bumblebees rarely sting. The chance of being stung by a bumblebee can be reduced by not provoking them or making them aggressive. First of all, it is important to remain calm while working with bumblebees. Don’t wave your arms around bumblebees, hit the hive, don’t touch or hold bumblebees, etc.

Be aware that bumblebees can react aggressively to odors such as alcohol, sweat, perfumes, scented soaps, aftershave, etc. In addition, rings, bracelets and watches can cause aggressive behavior (due to the smell of oxidation between the skin and jewelry). Bumblebees are attracted to the color blue, including blue and especially light blue clothing. Protective clothing can reduce the risk of being bitten. Bumblebees can sting through clothing.

Have you been stung? Bumblebee sting reaction

Usually a bumblebee sting results in a non-allergic local reaction of swelling, itching and redness at the site of the sting, lasting only a couple of hours. This can happen immediately after being bitten, but usually starts after a few hours. Swelling and itching may persist for hours or even days. In some cases, a local reaction may spread throughout the body; in this case, it may take longer for the symptoms to disappear. This is still considered a local, non-allergic reaction.

Measures for non-allergic, local reactions

Usually no medical treatment is required. Measures can be taken to minimize the local reaction, particularly if the bite affects a sensitive area, such as near the eyes. Anti-inflammatory drugs should be taken as soon as possible after the bite. A cold compress can be applied to the bite site. In addition, there are a number of antipruritic ointments (for example, containing diethyl-m-toluamide).

In rare cases where the bite is in the mouth or throat, the victim should be taken to hospital immediately because this can lead to airway asphyxia. At the hospital, the patient will be given corticosteroids and kept under observation.

Allergic reaction

In about 1% of the population, multiple bumblebee stings (or in some cases as few as two or three stings) can lead to an allergic reaction, also called a generalized allergic reaction, a systemic allergic reaction, or an anaphylactic reaction. Since antibodies formed during previous exposure to the antigen are involved in the allergic reaction, it is not possible to develop an allergic reaction after the first bite. An allergic reaction usually occurs very soon after the bite (from a few seconds to half an hour after the bite).

Allergic reactions are divided into four levels in order of increasing severity:
Grade 1 – Itching, redness and swelling (urticaria, rash) all over the body
Grade 2 – Grade 1 symptoms and bowel problems (vomiting, diarrhea
Grade 3 – Grade 1 and/or 2 symptoms and difficulty breathing and/or choking
Grade 4 – Grade 1 and/or 2 and/or 3 symptoms and palpitations, syncope, anaphylactic shock (accompanied by dizziness, excessive sweating and chills)

Allergic Reaction Measures

In case of fever or level 1 reaction, seek medical attention. It may be necessary to follow the development of the situation. It is advisable to observe the victim in the hospital for some time, as the reaction may progress over time.

In the event of vomiting, and certainly with Grade 3 or 4 symptoms, the victim should be taken to hospital immediately.
If an allergic reaction occurs, it is useful to use an antihistamine. The antihistamine reduces tumors caused by the histamine in the venom. Sometimes corticosteroids may be prescribed. In the case of reactions of 3 or 4 degrees, adrenaline must first be administered. Adrenaline stimulates the heart, constricts blood vessels and opens the airways. Adrenaline auto-injectors are sold by prescription only, for example, if the patient has already had an allergic reaction to a bumblebee sting. Depending on local regulations, an epinephrine auto-injector may also be available from companies that work with bumblebees.

Toxic reactions

Toxic reactions only occur if the victim has been stung dozens of times in a short period. General allergic reactions may occur in the nervous or circulatory system, such as cardiac arrhythmias or breathing difficulties. In this case, the victim should be taken to the hospital for treatment and observation.

Hyperventilation

In addition to a severe grade 4 allergic reaction, hyperventilation resulting from shock can also lead to unconsciousness. In such cases, it is also necessary to immediately call for emergency medical care.

Increased risk

People who use certain medications (beta-blockers) and pregnant women are at increased risk for allergic reactions after bumblebee stings.

Bumblebee Allergy

If you’ve had an allergic reaction in the past, it won’t necessarily happen the next time you bite. The chances are especially slim if you’ve had a Grade 1 or 2 reaction. The reaction to bumblebee stings can vary from case to case. Currently, a test using purified bumblebee venom can be done to determine if you will have an allergic reaction the next time you are stung. You can also use purified poison to reduce sensitivity.

Bee venom immunotherapy does not necessarily protect patients from bumblebee sting allergy.