Guwahati: A sudden surge in mass attacks by giant honey bees has emerged as a serious public health concern in Assam, with doctors at Demow Rural Hospital treating and saving 10 patients within just eight days this month.
Between February 7 and 15, the hospital handled multiple cases of severe bee envenomation, some involving swarms of 200 to 600 bees attacking individual victims.
Doctors warn that such attacks can lead to instant death due to severe allergic reactions or cause life-threatening complications like kidney failure within 48–72 hours if treatment is delayed.
Healthcare workers say these incidents, once considered rare, are now becoming increasingly frequent. While Assam lacks precise official data, estimates suggest that 15–20 people die annually in the state due to bee attacks. Globally, even countries like the United States report over 100 deaths each year from bee-related incidents.
Dr. Surajit Giri, researcher with the ICMR Zero Snakebite Death Project and posted at Demow Rural Hospital, said that changing environmental conditions may be contributing to the rise in aggressive swarm behavior.
“Bee envenomation, much like snakebite, has long been a neglected public health issue. Earlier, it was seen largely among farmers and daily wage workers. Now, cases are being reported across all sections of society,” he said.
Recent high-profile fatalities underline the danger. Businessman Sunjay Kapur, husband of Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor, reportedly died following a bee attack. On February 19, an under-13 cricket umpire, Manik Gupta, also died in Uttar Pradesh after being attacked by bees.
Ranoj Bora of Bonowabari village narrowly survived on February 8 after a swarm of 200–300 giant honey bees attacked him while he was working in his field.
According to doctors, a single bee sting triggered the attack when pheromones released from the crushed bee alerted the swarm. Bora was stung repeatedly on the face, eyes, lips, and scalp before collapsing.
In a desperate attempt to save himself, he jumped into a nearby muddy pond. Villagers used smoke to disperse the bees and rushed him to the hospital.
He soon developed persistent vomiting and diarrhoea, signs of systemic venom toxicity. Doctors administered nearly 15 emergency injections along with intravenous fluids. After 72 hours of intensive care and five days of monitoring, Bora recovered.
In a separate incident in Garhbhanga village, utensil vendor Jibabul Haque was attacked by an even larger swarm, estimated at 500–600 bees.
A 16-year-old student, Rishiraj Chetia, preparing for his matriculation exams, risked his own safety to rescue him. Villagers used smoke and fire to disperse the swarm and rushed three injured persons to the hospital.
Doctors described Haque’s condition as “extremely critical,” stating that a few minutes’ delay could have been fatal. Aggressive treatment led by Dr. Rajshree Baruah and Dr. Priyam Baidya ensured that all three patients survived.
Dr. Giri said a tragic bee attack death in Sivasagar district in September 2025 prompted the hospital team to study bee venom management in depth and develop a structured treatment protocol.
“Earlier, we had textbook knowledge but limited hands-on experience. That incident compelled us to prepare. Since then, we have prevented fatalities among critically envenomed patients,” he said.
What to do during a bee swarm attack
Doctors advise the public to follow these safety steps:
- Run immediately.
- Cover head and face with clothing while running.
- Avoid jumping into water bodies; bees can wait above the surface.
- Seek enclosed shelter if available.
- Remove stingers gently by scraping with fingernails, do not squeeze.
- Wash the area with soap and water.
- Seek medical care and remain under observation for at least 24 hours.
Healthcare experts stress that bee swarm attacks are medical emergencies and should never be underestimated.
“This is preventable. Awareness and timely treatment can save lives,” Dr. Giri said.