Eight Elementary School Students Were Stung By Mysterious Insects
Eight Elementary School Students Were Stung By Mysterious Insects
This year has seen many school-related insect stings. Most of the time the insects in question are bees. However, one recent instance shows us that it is not always clear as to what types of insects sting a person. Eight elementary school aged children recently sustained insect stings while walking a nature trail near their school. Insects stings are a particularly urgent matter for young children, as their immune systems are not as tolerant of insect stings.
Eight sixth graders in Portland, Maine were walking a nature trail when they were stung. Apparently, the insects that stung these children were insects that burrowed within the ground. It was reported that the insects swarmed when the sixth grader walked passed a nest. But what type of insects? Apparently the nest was low to the ground, so you would not think that bees were responsible. Any information concerning the type of insects involved in the attacks was not communicated to news outlets. The school’s principal stated in an email that eight students had sustained insect stings, and some of the students were stung multiple times. However, the principal, Megan Welter, did not make any mention of the type of insects.
It would seem that the reactions to the stings were serious as paramedics were called to the school. Two of the eight students that were stung were transported by ambulance to the Maine Medical Center. A third student was taken to quick-care by the students parents. According to administrators and nursing staff, the nurses office was not equipped to handle the childrens’ wounds. Luckily, it was reported that all of the students were reported to have recovered by the afternoon, and they will all attend a school festivity occurring the same night. The superintendent is currently working with pest control professionals to have the area eradicated of all dangerous insects.
What type of insect do you think was responsible for the attacks? What type of stinging insect nest if found in the ground?