A suspected case of systemic envenomation syndrome in a soldier returning from Iraq: implications for Special Forces Operations.
Upon returning to Denmark from a mission in Baghdad, Iraq, under Operation Iraqi Freedom, a 45-year-old Danish Special Forces soldier experienced serious and unexplainable symptoms after being stung by an arthropod. The soldier sought medical attention in an emergency department at a public hospital, where he was diagnosed with an allergic reaction to a wasp, bee, or mosquito sting, animals that are commonly found in Denmark. After a short period of observation, he was prescribed antihistamines and discharged. Within a few hours, the soldier developed severe symptoms consistent with a systemic envenomation. There is no proof of the existence of poisonous animals in Denmark that can cause such symptoms. On the basis of circumstantial evidence, an accidental importation of a venomous spider or scorpion by Danish Special Forces personnel might be the possible cause.
Schäfer
Christopher Niels
CN
Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Littlebelt, Skovvangen 2-8, 6000 Kolding, Denmark.
Nissen
Lars R
LR
Kofoed
Lars Thesbjerg
LT
Hansen
Frank Østergård
FØ
D000818:Animals; D001181:Arthropods; D001733:Bites and Stings / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D003718:Denmark; D006801:Humans; D007493:Iraq; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D065008:Scorpion Stings; D012605:Scorpions; D001098:Spider Bites / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D013112:Spiders