A 2-year-old Georgia boy, Beckham Reed, is in critical condition after being stung over 150 times by yellow jackets, triggering multi-organ failure. He was playing in an electric toy car when he accidentally disturbed a nest and was swarmed.
Initially treated and sent home, Beckham’s condition worsened within 24 hours. Born with only one kidney, he suffered kidney, liver, and heart failure due to venom overload. He was transferred to the ICU, placed on a ventilator, dialysis, and IV meds.
Doctors say his age, size, and the number of stings overwhelmed his body, which must now process the toxins without antivenom. His father has taken time off work to be with him. Encouragingly, by midweek, his organ function had begun to improve.