Slobodan Pantelić, a 57-year-old man from near Valjevo in Serbia, suffered a severe allergic reaction after being bitten multiple times by a swarm of wasps while cleaning his chimney. The incident left him unconscious for three days before he recovered in hospital. According to reports, the attack occurred on August 10, 2026, when Pantelić climbed onto the roof of his old family home to clean the chimney. As he inserted tools into the chimney, a large swarm of wasps emerged unexpectedly, attacking him. He described being bitten in the neck and hand, causing him to lose balance and fall from the roof. Fortunately, he landed on a pile of straw nearby, avoiding serious injury from the fall itself. The immediate aftermath saw Pantelić experiencing intense chest pressure and difficulty breathing. He lost consciousness shortly thereafter and remained in a coma for three days. Upon waking, he recounted the harrowing experience, expressing disbelief that such an incident could have nearly cost him his life. His wife had previously warned him against climbing onto the old roof due to its instability, especially with the heat of the summer, but he proceeded anyway. Medical professionals later explained that the bites had triggered a severe allergic reaction. Specifically, one of the wasps had bitten him directly in the artery of his neck, leading to a rapid spread of venom throughout his body. This caused a sharp drop in blood pressure, constriction of blood vessels, and a decrease in oxygen levels, all of which contributed to the anaphylactic shock he endured. Although Pantelić had no prior history of allergies, his body reacted strongly to the venom, highlighting the unpredictable nature of such encounters. Experts warn that August marks the peak season for wasps, during which they build and expand their nests. These nests can house anywhere from 400 to 1,000 wasps, making them particularly dangerous. When a wasp stings, it releases a pheromone that signals other wasps to join the attack, potentially resulting in multiple stings simultaneously. This behavior is typically triggered when wasps feel threatened or perceive their nest under threat. Vladica Stanković, an expert from the Society for Protection of Insects and Environment “Poskok,” emphasized the heightened danger posed by wasps during this time of year. He noted that many fatalities linked to insect stings occur due to allergic reactions rather than attacks from snakes. Wasps, unlike snakes, often strike in groups when provoked, increasing the risk of severe health complications or even death. Following the incident, medical advice underscores the importance of seeking immediate help if symptoms such as difficulty breathing, weakness, or loss of consciousness arise after a wasp sting. For individuals with known severe allergies, having an emergency action plan is crucial. Preventive measures include avoiding disturbances to wasp nests and being cautious around areas where these insects are likely to be found. Pantelić’s ordeal serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers associated with wasp encounters, especially during the height of their activity season. His recovery highlights the critical need for awareness and preparedness when dealing with potential threats posed by these insects.
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