Stirring up a wasp nest, boy stung 35 times nearly died

A 4-year-old boy in Gia Lai was stung 35 times by wasps, fortunately escaping critical danger after more than three weeks of dialysis and plasma exchange, while a friend in his group did not survive.

The boy was stung by wasps on the morning of 7/9 while returning from church. He quickly developed pain, fatigue, respiratory failure, shock, jaundice, low urine output, and dark, sarsaparilla-like blood. Doctors diagnosed grade 3 anaphylaxis from the stings, leading to multi-organ damage, acute kidney failure, severe liver damage, and gastrointestinal bleeding. The team at Nhi Dong Thanh Pho Hospital provided remote treatment using continuous dialysis and plasma exchange techniques. However, his condition did not improve, and he was urgently transferred to TP HCM.

Dr. Nguyen Minh Tien, Deputy Director of Nhi Dong Thanh Pho Hospital, stated that upon admission, the boy was lethargic and had full-body edema. He had approximately 35 wasp stings on his body, with many swollen red marks and some necrosis. Test results revealed severe liver and kidney damage, along with muscle breakdown, which was life-threatening.

The boy received mechanical ventilation, intravenous fluids, vasopressors, antibiotics, liver support, and continuous dialysis. After more than three weeks of intensive treatment, including 10 rounds of dialysis and three plasma exchanges, he gradually recovered. He was weaned off the ventilator, and his liver and kidney functions returned to normal.

According to Dr. Tien, the child's life was saved thanks to the collaboration between the two hospitals in transferring continuous dialysis and plasma exchange techniques. Wasp stings can cause serious complications, especially for children.

Among the three children attacked by wasps that day, a 5-year-old child died due to severe anaphylactic shock, and one child received treatment at a local hospital. Family members reported that while returning from church, an older friend in the group threw a stone at a wasp nest and then ran away, causing the swarm to attack the younger children.

To prevent wasp stings, doctors advise parents to clear overgrown areas around their homes and gardens to ensure no hidden wasp nests. They also recommend educating children not to approach or disturb wasp nests and to avoid areas where wasps live. When picnicking or going into forests, avoid wearing bright clothing and using perfume, as these can attract wasps.