Abstract

Aim: Although deaths resulting from bee stings are rare, they can pose a serious public health problem due to sudden systemic reactions, particularly during periods when bees are active.
Materials and Methods: This retrospective study evaluated 11 cases of deaths due to bee stings, as reported in the Eastern Black Sea Region between 2013 and 2023, for which autopsies had been performed.
Results: All of the individuals were male, with a median age of 57. The most common cause of death was anaphylaxis due to laryngeal oedema. Fatal cases frequently occurred in the spring and summer months, typically following stings to critical areas such as the head, neck and body. Multiple bee stings, underlying cardiovascular diseases and delayed medical intervention were identified as the most significant risk factors.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that bee sting-related deaths are largely preventable, and that early detection of individual sensitivity, the use of epinephrine/adrenaline autoinjectors, and the strengthening of emergency response services are of vital importance.

Key words: Bee sting, anaphylaxis, autopsy, forensic medicine