'Swollen as if to burst when touched'... Observing the symptoms of Jamboree's 'Hwasang Bug'

At the '2023 Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree,' where heatstroke patients poured in amid inadequate event preparations and a heatwave, it has been revealed that cases of insect bites are also occurring in large numbers.

A participant's leg bitten by a swarm of insects rampant at the event venue and the blue blister beetle, known as the 'fire bug.'
[Photo by Yonhap News]

According to the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family on the 6th, 1,486 jamboree-related patients were reported in one day on the 3rd. Among them, 383 patients (36.1%) suffered from insect bites, the highest proportion, followed by 250 cases of skin rashes (17.1%) and 138 cases of heat-related symptoms (9.4%).

In the camping site’s puddles, mosquitoes and blister beetles swarmed, leading to a continuous stream of insect bite patients. In fact, on the 5th, members of the British Scout delegation who decided to leave the jamboree early complained, saying, "We suffered because of the insects."

This appears to be influenced by the heavy rain just before the world jamboree event, which left many parts of the venue swampy, combined with the ongoing hot weather. Relatedly, during the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family’s national audit last October, there was criticism that “heatwaves, heavy rain, pest control, and infection prevention measures must be thoroughly checked,” yet preparations for the event were insufficient.

In particular, the ‘blister beetle,’ known as ‘Cheongttakjigaemibannalgae’ in Korean, emerged as a hidden threat. This insect, characterized by black and red striped patterns, mainly inhabits wet areas like rice paddies and has a strong tendency to enter illuminated campsites at night due to its attraction to light.

The blister beetle secretes a toxic substance called pederin, and just touching it can cause inflammation similar to burns or pain. It causes a burning sensation like a fire burn, along with skin redness and blisters.

A participant's leg bitten by a swarm of insects rampant at the event venue.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

If bitten by a blister beetle, do not touch or scratch the affected area; wash it with running water. If blisters form, do not burst them, and in severe cases, visit a hospital.

Applying topical steroids or antibiotic ointments can alleviate symptoms, and in some cases, oral steroids and antihistamines may be taken.

The affected area may experience pain and itching for several days and usually heals naturally within 2 to 3 weeks.

If you find a blister beetle, do not catch it with your hands directly; use a fly swatter or other tools. Do not touch the dead insect directly either. If an insect sticks to your skin, remove it by wrapping it with paper or tissue or blowing it off with your mouth.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.