Two elderly women who were admitted to the hospital after being stung by a swarm of wasps died recently in Kerala's Erumely. Allergic reactions are the most common cause of death in such cases. Wasps release a kind of poison into the human body when they sting.

The body would then naturally resist the poison, which may lead to shortness of breath, loss of voice, inflammation in the chest and vomiting. Besides, the poison could even affect the functioning of the lungs and heart. Minor wasp stings may not be dangerous in those who are generally healthy.

However, it may lead to death in people who suffer from allergies and other health problems. The hornet wasp that attacked humans in Erumely recently is bigger than regular wasps and could grow up to 5 cm. A single nest can contain up to one thousand wasps.

So, if the nest is broken, a swarm of thousands of wasps could attack you. A single wasp could sting you multiple times, making it worse. It isn’t dangerous if you are stung by a single wasp only once.

But your life could be in danger when attacked by a swarm of wasps. Precautions to avoid being stung 1) Stay away from potential areas where hornet wasps are likely to build nests, such as trees, bushes, or under eaves. 2) If you're working in areas where hornets or wasps might be, wear light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing and closed-toe shoes.

Avoid wearing bright colours or floral prints, which may attract them. 3) If you encounter a hornet or wasp, remain calm and avoid s.