Uttarakhand / Pithoragarh: School-going children attacked by wasps, 4 injured, 1 student admitted to ICU

A swarm of wasps attacked students on their way to school in Dungra village, in the border district of Pithoragarh. Four students were seriously injured. They were rushed to the hospital, and one of the students was admitted to the ICU.

Swarm of wasps attacks students: On Saturday, Divyanshu (14), Nisha (15), Aniket (13), and Kamal Singh (16), residents of Dungra village, 20 kilometers from the district headquarters, left their home for the Government High School, Pabhain. On the way, a swarm of wasps emerged from a tree hive and attacked them. All four ran for their lives, but by then, the wasps had stung them multiple times, injuring them.

Four students injured in wasp attack: Upon receiving information about the incident, family members rushed the four to the district hospital. Divyanshu, Aniket, and Kamal were discharged after receiving primary treatment and their condition improved. Student Nisha has been admitted to the ICU due to her critical condition. According to doctors, her blood pressure was continuously dropping and she was having difficulty breathing. She is currently being treated in the ICU. Her condition is currently out of danger.

Parents Scared by Wasp Attack: Meanwhile, the incident has also terrified the people of the area. Parents and others have demanded the Forest Department take appropriate steps to get rid of the wasps. Villagers and parents have stated that they will not send their children to school until appropriate measures are taken. The wasp attack has created an atmosphere of fear among the villagers.

Dr. Bhagirathi Garbyal, PMS District Hospital, Pithoragarh, stated that:

Four students injured in the wasp attack were admitted to the hospital. Three are in good condition. The student, who is slightly serious, has been admitted to the ICU. She is also currently out of danger.
-Dr. Bhagirathi Garbyal, PMS, District Hospital, Pithoragarh –

Puran Deupa, Ranger, Pithoragarh, stated that:

Information has been received about a wasp attack on students in Dungra. A team will soon visit the site for inspection. Appropriate measures will be taken to ensure the safety of students and villagers.
-Puran Deupa, Ranger, Pithoragarh –

Three weeks ago, a man died: a middle-aged man died in a wasp attack in Madkot, bordering Munsyari. Twenty-two days ago, a 54-year-old man working in the fields in Madkot’s Chauna village was attacked by a swarm of wasps. He was referred from CHC Munsyari to the district hospital, but his life could not be saved. Over the past five years, more than 12 people have died in wasp attacks.

Ways to prevent wasp attacks:

• Stay calm: If wasps are flying around you, don’t make sudden movements or hit them; this will make them more aggressive.
• Avoid strong scents: Wasps are attracted to scents like perfume, cologne, sweet-smelling oils, or floral scents. Avoid using such products when outdoors.
• Wear covered clothing: Wear long-sleeved clothing and shoes when in areas like fields, gardens, or forests.
• Keep food covered: Sweet foods and drinks (such as cold drinks, fruits, and juices) attract wasps. Keep them covered.
• Keep a distance from the nest: If there is a wasp nest nearby, don’t disturb it. Don’t try to remove it yourself. Seek expert help.
• Prevent entry: Install screens on windows and keep trash cans tightly covered.
• Natural remedies: Wasps dislike the smell of lemon and cloves. Place cloves embedded in lemons in areas where wasps are most commonly seen.