José Leite, a 69-year-old man, died on Wednesday, September 9, in the parish of Jugueiros, in the municipality of Felgueiras. The elderly man was stung by an Asian hornet during the grape harvest, an agricultural activity related to the grape picking.
The Asian hornet, scientifically known as vespa velutina, is an invasive species native to Asia that has been spreading across various regions of Portugal in recent years. This hornet is particularly aggressive and its stings can be dangerous, especially for people with allergies or in cases of multiple stings.
The accident occurred during the grape harvest period, which corresponds to the grape picking season, a time when agricultural workers spend long hours in the field, increasing the risk of encounters with these insects.
Local authorities and the community of Jugueiros were shocked by the death of José Leite, which represents another fatal victim attributed to Asian hornet stings in Portuguese territory.
