Local NewsCalifornia man survives 200 bee stings thanks to quick firefighter action

California man survives 200 bee stings thanks to quick firefighter action

A man was stung by bees over 200 times. Doctors are calling it a miracle.
A man was stung by bees over 200 times. Doctors are calling it a miracle.
Images source: © Getty Images | Tim Graham

8:22 AM EDT, August 15, 2024

The situation was like the worst nightmare for a resident of California. A swarm of bees attacked a man, stinging him over 200 times. Doctors do not doubt that a miracle occurred because the unfortunate man did not die from the insect attack. Firefighters saved him.

California resident Antonio Moreno decided to visit his horses in Jurupa Valley last Friday. According to Interia, he and his son wanted to feed the animals. At one point, Moreno's 12-year-old son noticed that one of the animals was being stung by a bee. When the man tried to help it, a swarm of bees attacked him, his son, and the horses.

We ran to the street and took the horses with us, but the bees came after us and wouldn't stop stinging me—that's what Antonio Moreno told ABC7.

The bees mercilessly stung Antonio, his 12-year-old son, and the four horses accompanying them. First aid was administered by firefighters who arrived at the scene after being called by a local resident.

Antonio and his son were taken to a local hospital. While the 12-year-old did not sustain serious injuries, his father's condition directly threatened his life. Over 200 stingers were removed from his body, most of them from his neck, back, and arms. To control the enraged swarm, firefighters had to use a mixture of foam and water.

Bees can be dangerous for 5 out of 100 stung

Fortunately, Antonio's life was saved. Not so lucky were two of the four horses. One died on the spot, and the second's life could not be saved despite the help of a veterinarian.

After the harrowing experience, Antonio appeals to everyone to be cautious, reminding them that bees can pose a serious threat to health and life. He himself did not know until now that he was allergic to bee stings. Now, he carries special medication to minimize the risk of developing anaphylactic shock.

According to the portal "Medonet," it is estimated that 5 out of 100 people stung by a bee will develop an allergic reaction on average. People with a confirmed allergy to bee venom should see a doctor or emergency room immediately after being stung. They should also carry adrenaline and antihistamines with them.