Wasp attacks kill 19 in west China

A surge in wasp attacks has led to 19 deaths in Ankang city in the west China province of Shaanxi since July, the local health department said Friday.

Hospitals in the city have received as many as 583 patients, 70 people are still being treated, officials said.

Local experts said improved vegetation might be a reason for the increased attacks by wasps, which they said is an aggressive insect and are usually active in summer and autumn.

To protect its citizens, the city's fire department have helped remove more than 300 hives. Three hospitals have been designated to treat victims of wasp attacks, with the assistance of an expert penal.