Martin V came across a Facebook post (see below).
It reads
"Galicia on high alert after three deaths from Asian hornets"
The text in the photograph states
"Alert in Galicia three dead in two weeks due to attacks by velutina wasps"
A timely reminder that the sting is not like a wasp.
For your information a general comparison relating to hornet v wasp venom.
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Feature
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Asian Hornet Venom
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Wasp Venom
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Pain level
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Often more painful due to higher levels of acetylcholine, a pain-intensifying chemical.
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Pain is generally described as sharp and prickly.
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Toxicity
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Contains neurotoxins and cytotoxins, which can cause localized pain, swelling, and in severe cases, nausea, headache, and muscle damage.
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Contains enzymes, amines, peptides, and other compounds that can cause allergic reactions, from minor skin irritation to anaphylactic shock.
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Stinging behavior
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Can sting multiple times and their stingers are not barbed, so they can withdraw them easily.
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Can sting multiple times.
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Allergic reactions
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If you are allergic to wasp venom, you will likely be allergic to Asian hornet venom.
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Can trigger allergic reactions from local irritation to anaphylactic shock.
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Danger
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Multiple stings from certain hornet species can be fatal due to highly toxic venom.
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Multiple stings are rarely fatal, except in the case of allergic reactions.
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