A young boy in Georgia is in critical condition after being stung more than 150 times by yellow jackets, an incident that led to multi-organ failure. Two-year-old Beckham Reed was riding an electric toy alongside his cousins when he accidentally disturbed a yellow jacket nest. The angry swarm covered his small body with stings.
Initially treated at an emergency room with pain relief and antihistamines, Beckham was sent home. However, within 24 hours, his condition worsened noticeably—his skin turned yellow, signaling a serious problem. His parents rushed him back to the hospital where doctors found that his kidney, liver, and heart were all affected by the venom overload.
Beckham, who was born with only one functioning kidney, was placed in intensive care, hooked up to a ventilator, on dialysis, and given IV medications to stabilize him. His family shared that no antivenom exists for yellow jacket stings; doctors can only support his body as it works to clear the toxins.
Beckham’s father had to take time off work to stay by his son’s bedside during what doctors say will be a long and sensitive recovery. Fortunately, progress is being made, with improvements in liver and kidney function and signs that Beckham is waking and fighting for his recovery.
