Insect stings: 7 deaths per year in Austria – KFV

How to recognize a severe reaction

Following a sting, the KFV advises monitoring the sting site immediately and seeking medical help if in doubt. Anyone who notices signs of a severe reaction such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, or extensive swelling should call the emergency number 144 without delay. Even people without a known allergy can develop a severe reaction on their first sting.

For prevention, the KFV recommends staying calm when wasps or other potentially dangerous insects are nearby and avoiding sudden movements. Sweet foods and drinks should be covered outdoors, as the smell attracts insects. Waste bins – referred to in the original as Mistkübel – are a particular attraction during the summer months and should be avoided where possible.

Specific tips for summer

When drinking outdoors, experts advise checking beverages before the first sip, as insects can crawl into cans or glasses. When spending time in the green, sturdy footwear is recommended to prevent stings on the feet. Insect screens on windows and doors can provide additional protection.

Wasp nests near the home should only be removed by professionals, as improper handling makes the insects aggressive. Anyone with a known allergy should carry an allergy pass and inform family members as well as colleagues about emergency procedures. In this context, the KFV also points to training courses for the use of the emergency kit.

Research and diagnosis in Graz

At the University Clinic of Dermatology in Graz, the Clinical Allergology research group deals with insect venom allergies, among other topics. Research group leader Gunter Sturm and his colleague Johanna Trauner-Karner research, according to their own statements, better diagnostic and treatment methods. They emphasize that an exact diagnosis is the most important step to specifically protect at-risk patients.

Anyone who is unsure after a sting whether they are experiencing an allergic reaction should not hesitate, according to the experts, to seek medical help. Even a seemingly harmless sting can trigger symptoms hours later. For those with a known allergy, long-term hyposensitization – a gradual desensitization of the body to the allergen – can significantly reduce the risk of severe reactions.

From the KFV's perspective, education is the most effective protection. According to statistics, many incidents do not occur in spectacular locations but in everyday life – such as during a picnic, in the garden, or at the playground. Incidents such as those in the Vienna district of Wien-Favoriten or in Burgenland show that the risk exists throughout Austria and is not limited to certain regions.