Current:Home > MarketsMan dead after attack by swarm of bees at his home, Kentucky coroner says -AdvancementTrade
Man dead after attack by swarm of bees at his home, Kentucky coroner says
Robert Brown View
Date:2025-04-10 03:05:22
A 59-year-old man died on Monday after he was stung by a swarm of bees, a Kentucky coroner said.
The man, who has not yet been publicly identified, was moving an old bag of potting soil from his porch in Kentucky's Harlan County when the bees came out of the bag, Deputy Coroner John W. Jones said in a social media post. Family members started performing CPR and the man was rushed to an emergency room where he died just before 6:00 p.m. Officials have not said if the man was allergic to bees.
"Our heartfelt prayers go out to the entire family and friends," the coroner's office said, adding that the investigation is ongoing.
How common are deadly bee stings?
A total of 788 people died from stings by hornets, wasps or bees between 2011 and 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The annual number of deaths ranged from 59, in 2012, to 89 in 2017.
Around 84% of deaths from stings occurred in males.
The average person can safely tolerate 10 stings per pound of body weight, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.
How to avoid being stung
The USDA advises avoiding bee colonies by looking around and listening for the sound of buzzing. If you do find a colony, leave it alone — don't disturb or tease the bees. Don't try to remove the bees yourself.
Wearing light-colored clothing may help. Honey bees, one of several varieties that sting, may be aggravated by colors that remind them of their natural predators, such as bears and skunks.
Those wary of bee stings should also avoid strongly scented shampoos, soaps and perfumes.
What to do if you encounter aggressive bees
If you encounter aggressive bees, the USDA advises running away quickly. While running, pull your shirt up over your head or use your arms to protect your face. The areas around your eyes, nose and ears should be protected.
Head toward an enclosed shelter, such as a vehicle or building. Do not jump into water as bees will wait for you to come up for air.
Avoid swatting at the bees or flailing your arms, which can aggravate the bees.
Call 911 to report a serious stinging attack.
How to treat bee stings
Wash the site of a bee sting with soap and water, health officials with the CDC advise. Wipe over the area with gauze or scrape the area with a fingernail to remove the stinger. Do not squeeze the stringer or use tweezers.
Someone who's been stung can apply ice to reduce swelling. Avoid scratching the sting as this can increase swelling and the risk of infection.
Taking an antihistamine can reduce skin symptoms and taking pain medications, including acetaminophen and ibuprofen, can relieve pain, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Those suffering from a severe allergic reaction may need to use an epinephrine injector and visit an emergency room for treatment.
- In:
- Bees
- Kentucky
Aliza Chasan is a digital producer at 60 Minutes and CBS News.
TwitterveryGood! (8652)
Related
- Grammy nominee Teddy Swims on love, growth and embracing change
- Want to build a million-dollar nest egg? Two investment accounts worth looking into
- Average long-term US mortgage rate falls again, easing to lowest level since early April
- Michael Strahan Praises Superwoman Daughter Isabella Strahan Amid End of Chemotherapy
- 'Malcolm in the Middle’ to return with new episodes featuring Frankie Muniz
- Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan Reacts to Claim Steamy Polin Scenes Were Deleted From Season 3
- Minivan carrying more than a dozen puppies crashes in Connecticut. Most are OK
- Argentina fans swarm team hotel in Atlanta to catch glimpse of Messi before Copa América
- Could your smelly farts help science?
- Michael Strahan Praises Superwoman Daughter Isabella Strahan Amid End of Chemotherapy
Ranking
- Could your smelly farts help science?
- Orange County judge can stand trial in wife’s shooting death, judge says
- Millions sweating it out as heat wave nears peak from Midwest to Maine
- Pregnant Ashley Tisdale Details Horrible Nighttime Symptoms
- Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
- Donald Sutherland death: Chameleon character actor known for 'M*A*S*H' dead at 88
- Maryland lets sexual assault victims keep track of evidence via a bar code
- Citizens-only voting, photo ID and income tax changes could become NC amendments on 2024 ballots
Recommendation
Rolling Loud 2024: Lineup, how to stream the world's largest hip hop music festival
Climate change made spring's heat wave 35 times more likely — and hotter, study shows
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fails to qualify for presidential debate with Biden, Trump
East in grips of searing heat wave; even too hot for soft serve in Maine: Live updates
Average rate on 30
Citizens-only voting, photo ID and income tax changes could become NC amendments on 2024 ballots
Crews battle deadly New Mexico wildfires as clouds and flooding loom
Authorities arrest Alabama man wanted in connection with multiple homicides