20 students, teacher stung by yellow jackets

DOVER, N.H. (FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) - Twenty-five students from a sixth-grade science class were walking in the woods next to the Dover Fire Department, which also abuts middle school property, when someone stepped on an underground yellow jacketsnest.

Twenty kids and a teacher were stung at about 9:30 this morning. A swarm of wasps followed them all the way back to the middle school as they ran. One boy was stung 25 times and another girl at least 20 times.

Fire department officials treated a few of the students on the scene. About five or six went home for the day, while a few were allergic and had to get a shot.

No serious injuries were reported and no one went to the hospital.

STATEMENT FROM THE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT:

At Dover Middle School today at approximately 9:30 a.m., a 6th grade science class went outside to

conduct a science activity as part of their curriculum. One student stepped on a ground nest of yellow

jackets. Eleven students and one teacher received multiple stings. Three students were brought to the nearby fire station for immediate assistance. The rest of the class returned to the school. The remaining 8 students and 1 teacher were treated by the school nurse and continue to be monitored for any adverse reaction.

Students and teacher are doing well.

Jean Briggs Badger
Superintendent of Schools
Dover, New Hampshire