An American Man and His Son Die After Wasp Attack in Laos
An American man and his teenage son died last month after being stung many times by a swarm of wasps while ziplining at an adventure camp in Laos, hospital officials reported.
Details of the Incident
Dan Owen, director of an international school in neighboring Vietnam, and his son Cooper were attacked on October 15 at the Green Jungle Park. They were descending from a tree at the end of the zip line when the wasps swarmed them.
The camp is located outside the city of Luang Prabang, a well-known tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.
Medical Response
Both victims were first taken to a local clinic and then transferred to Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital in critical condition, according to Jorvue Yianouchongteng, the emergency room physician who treated them.
“The son was unconscious and passed away after half an hour, while the father was conscious and passed away about three hours later. We tried our best to save them but we couldn't.”
Cause of Death
Both suffered severe anaphylactic shock after being stung more than 100 times across their bodies. However, the exact cause of death has not been officially determined.
About the Wasps
The Asian giant hornet, sometimes called the “murder hornet” due to its aggressive behaviour toward other insects, is native to Laos. Several other wasp species are also found in the area.
Summary: A tragic wasp attack in Laos caused fatal anaphylactic shock to an American father and son, highlighting the dangers posed by aggressive hornet species in the region.