Story By Marija Stojkoska
News Editor Ajda Ender
A 29-year-old father-of-one has died after a bee stung him in his carotid artery while he was tending to livestock in his barn.
The fatal incident happened in Saray district, Tekirdag Province, north-western Turkey, on 24th July, where Melih Ertekin was working at his animal shed when the bee sting occurred.
Melih Ertekin, 29, poses in undated photo. He died after being stung by a bee in the carotid artery in Saray district of Tekirdag, Turkey. Note: Private photo. (Newsflash/NX)
Melih, who ran a butcher’s shop and restaurant, was reportedly tending to his animals when the insect stung him in the vital artery in his neck.
After he suddenly collapsed, panicked relatives took him to Saray State Hospital.
Following 24 hours of observation, his condition drastically deteriorated, forcing an emergency transfer to the intensive care unit at Cerkezkoy State Hospital, where doctors fought to save his life.
Despite two days of treatment, the young father-of-one could not be rescued and died from the effects of the sting on 27th July.
His death has shocked relatives and locals, while health experts have warned that bee stings can become life-threatening in rare cases, particularly when they occur around the head, neck, face, tongue or throat.
Stings in these areas can cause dangerous swelling that may affect breathing, and some people may experience a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.
Warning signs after a bee sting can include dizziness, sudden swelling of the face or lips, breathing difficulties, low blood pressure, widespread rashes and wheezing.
Melih Ertekin, 29, poses in undated photo. He died after being stung by a bee in the carotid artery in Saray district of Tekirdag, Turkey. Note: Private photo. (Newsflash/NX)
Doctors have urged people to seek emergency help immediately if these symptoms appear.
Experts have also warned that someone who has previously been stung without a serious reaction can still develop an allergy later in life as the body changes.
They advised that if a bee stinger remains in the skin, it should not be squeezed with fingers or tweezers because this could force more venom into the body.
Instead, it should be carefully scraped away before medical advice is sought if symptoms worsen.
(Marija Stojkoska/Newsflash)
