Man is lucky to be alive after attack by a swarm of wasps left him 'curled up in a ball and struggling to breathe' when he was stung 45 times

A dad was left 'curled up in a ball and struggling to breathe' after a horrifying attack by a swam of wasps.

Chris Whitworth was walking with his dog Cooper near Lakeland Boulevard in Townsville on Saturday afternoon when he was stung at least 45 times by the vicious insects.

It was just one bite at first, but as soon as he slapped one away, dozens more swarmed his neck and face.

Chris Whitworth had been walking with his dog Cooper near Lakeland Boulevard in Townsville on Saturday afternoon when he was stung at least 45 times by the tiny critters

It was just one bite at first, but as soon as he slapped one away, dozens more swarmed his neck and face

What to do if you're attacked by a swarm of wasps: 

If you are stung you should pull out any stings left in the skin and wash the area with soap and water.

Doctors recommend applying ice or a cold flannel to the site for 10 minutes and elevating the area to reduce swelling.

You can also take over-the-counter remedies such as antihistamines and painkillers.

 

'I ran across the road, only to realise I was covered in the little buggers all having a chomp,' he told the Townsville Bulletin. 

'I stripped my shirt off and ran about 15m only to realise they were in pursuit. I ran another 50m where two young girls were standing.'

The girls had also been attacked by the wasps and had to flee to safety.

After escaping the terrifying ordeal, Mr Whitworth returned home where he had a shower and began cooking dinner, unaware of how bad the stings were.

'Then all of a sudden I felt faint and could hardly breathe, so I curled up on the floor and shouted for my wife to call an ambulance as I was struggling to breathe,' he said.

Paramedics arrived and pumped him with adrenaline.

Days later, when the swelling went down, it was revealed that he had been stung 45 times on his head neck, body, arms and legs. 

Mr Whitworth issued a complaint to council and later returned to the spot to leave warning signs for other pedestrians.

The wasp nest has since been removed.