A security guard last week died after suffering a severe allergic reaction to a bee sting.
David Manyowa, who was 28, collapsed when the insect stung him on one of his fingers.
He died before reaching Parirenyatwa after Netstar Ambulance Service failed to pick him from his parents’ home.
The 28-year-old, stopped breathing after being stung as he entered his parents’ home at 28 Ridge road in Avondale, Harare.
His brother, Jerry Madza, said efforts to resuscitate him were fruitless forcing the deceased to be rushed to Parirenyatwa Hospital.
Speaking to 263chat, he said: “We gave him his usual medication but this time it did not easy the swallowing.”
Jerry Madza, the deceased’s brother…..We gave him his usual medication but this time it did not easy the swallowing
Madza said Manyowa had suffered anaphylactic shock after the sting but it was ‘highly unlikely’ since he took an emergency pack of adrenaline-filled syringes to counter the effects.
Bee stings trigger the release of chemicals, including histamine, from the immune system into the bloodstream.
An allergic reaction occurs when the body’s defence system overreacts, often causing breathing difficulties, low blood pressure and a swelling of the face, tongue, mouth and lips, so that the airways become obstructed.
Death can come from heart failure.
Parirenyatwa Hospital authorities could not be reached for comment yesterday, but Harare General Hospital clinical director Mr George Vera said an individual could succumb to a bee sting if his or her body reacts. He said victims could survive if treated early.
“There are two ways in which one can die from a bee attack. An individual can die even if he or she is attacked by a single bee if that person is allergic to bee stings. Then there are times when the body becomes overwhelmed by multiple bee stings, resulting in the inflammation of the skin.”
