Mother’s Quick Action Highlights Dangers of Insect Stings

When Bailey Cary’s son, Oliver, was stung by a wasp, she did not initially worry. ‘Oliver was returning from a local dock after fishing and suspected he’d disturbed a nest,’ she shared with Newsweek. When her son rushed in after being stung, Cary gave him Benadryl and an ice pack.

Most Americans have experienced a bee, wasp, or hornet sting. It’s generally a painful but routine occurrence. However, Oliver’s case turned out differently.

Observing her son, Cary noticed his face swelling rapidly even after medication. Oliver felt something was wrong. He was one of the small percentage of people who have significant allergic reactions to such stings.

The CDC notes that about 0.5 to 3 percent of U.S. adults risk a systemic allergic reaction from these insect stings. About 10 percent experience large local reactions, marked by significant swelling around the sting. Severe allergic reactions, such as hives, breathing issues, and anaphylaxis, occur in roughly 0.3 to 3 percent of adults and are less common in children.

Cary, although panicked, knew staying calm was crucial. ‘His lip was huge, but I kept my composure on the way to urgent care,’ she said. At the hospital, Oliver received a steroid shot and recovered. He was referred to an allergist for further testing.

Oliver had never had an allergic reaction before, which caught the family off guard. Cary’s swift response ensured no severe consequences occurred, but the incident underscores the significant risks these stings pose.

The CDC recorded 788 deaths from hornet, wasp, and bee stings from 2011 to 2021, averaging 72 deaths annually in the U.S. Most deaths result from severe allergic reactions rather than venom’s direct toxicity.

Cary now advises parents to be alert. ‘I hope this increases awareness of potential allergies,’ she said, noting a once-held belief that such allergies were genetic.