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.