The National Fire Agency of South Korea reported a significant increase in wasp sting incidents. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Aug. 26 (Korea Bizwire) – The National Fire Agency of South Korea reported a significant increase in wasp sting incidents as the prolonged heatwave has contributed to a rapid growth in wasp populations across the country.
According to statistics released on August 25, wasp sting accidents have shown a consistent annual spike starting in July, coinciding with the onset of hot weather. Over the past three years (2021-2023), an average of 6,213 cases were reported annually.
August typically sees the highest number of incidents, with an average of 1,829 cases (29.4%), followed closely by September with 1,764 cases (28.4%). Together, these two months account for 57.8% of all annual cases. July records an average of 1,365 incidents, representing 22% of the yearly total.
This year has already witnessed a troubling trend. From January to July, 2,815 wasp sting cases were reported, marking a 40% increase compared to the average of 2,011 cases during the same period in previous years. The summer months (June-July), when wasps are most active, saw a particularly steep rise of nearly 50% in incidents.
The severity of these encounters is underscored by the number of cardiac arrests resulting from wasp stings. In 2020, seven such cases were recorded, increasing to 11 cases each year from 2021 to 2023. As of August 18 this year, eight cardiac arrests due to wasp stings have already been reported.
An analysis of incident locations reveals that 37.3% of victims (1,049 people) were stung at home. The second most common locations were seas, rivers, mountains, and fields, accounting for 24.8% (697 people) of cases.
In response to these alarming statistics, the National Fire Agency has issued public safety guidelines. They advise wearing light-colored clothing and wide-brimmed hats for outdoor activities, while avoiding dark clothes, perfumes, and strong-scented cosmetics that may provoke wasps.
If contact with a wasp nest occurs, individuals are urged to protect their heads and quickly move at least 20 meters away. For those stung, prompt removal of the stinger, cleaning the affected area, and applying ice packs are recommended to alleviate pain.
“In cases of allergic reactions to wasp venom, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing may occur,” a spokesperson for the National Fire Agency warned. “Immediate reporting to emergency services and seeking hospital treatment is crucial in such situations.”
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
