Student left in ‘excruciating pain’ after attack by scorpion in Zara changing room

A university student was rushed to hospital after she was stung by a scorpion in a Zara changing room, becoming unwell and needing hours of treatment – she still says she’s in pain

A 20-year-old student was blue-lighted to hospital after she was stung by a scorpion in a Zara changing room.

Alice Spies was trying on some clothes before she felt something wriggle up her leg. Then, she felt sharp pain and suddenly felt dizzy. Paramedics rushed to the scene at 12pm on August 20 after the university student realised there was a huge, yellow scorpion clinging to her clothes.

She was kept in a wheelchair by staff, who also performed basic first aid, until the ambulance crew arrived at the store in Guara, Brazil. Alice was taken to A&E where she was given fluids and treated over the course of the afternoon.

Shocking images show the terrified student sitting in a wheelchair before being transferred to the Asa Norte Regional Hospital. Since then, she’s been discharged home but still says she’s in pain following the scorpion sting.

In a statement, Park Shopping said the customer was promptly attended to by its emergency team then taken to hospital, and added that the mall maintains strict pest control protocols, The Sun reported.

A Zara spokesperson said: “Zara deeply regrets what happened and confirms that it is in direct contact with the customer, providing all necessary assistance.

“We take this case very seriously and are working to ensure that all appropriate preventative measures are taken.”

It comes as a leading pharmacist has advised Brits on how to treat a sting from an Asian hornet – amid a rise in sightings across the UK.

So far this year, three nests found and there have been 24 sightings of the invasive yellow-legged hornet, which pose a major threat to many native UK insects, including honey bees.

An Asian hornet – believed to have arrived in France on a shipment from China in 2004 – can consume 50 honey bees a day with a swarm able to kill off a hive of more than 30,000 bees.

In 2024 there were 71 sightings and 24 hives found – and while experts do not believe there is an established UK population yet, a DEFRA eradication programme continues this year.

The warning from Well Pharmacy comes as Brits spend more time outdoors during an unseasonal 23C hot spell this week – considerably warmer than the 14C monthly average.

The Asian hornet is said to possess one of the most unpleasant stings known to man, often compared to being stabbed by a red-hot needle.

Well Pharmacy wants the public to be aware of how they can treat themselves or others who may be unfortunate enough to suffer an Asian hornet sting.

Anyone suffering immediate shortness of breath after contact with an Asian hornet or any insect must call 999, while Brits worried about bug bites and stings can go direct to their local pharmacy.

Under the Pharmacy First scheme, in England, patients can seek advice and treatment about infected insect bites and stings from a pharmacist, without the need to speak to a GP.