Hymenopterid bites, stings, allergic reactions, and the impact of hurricanes on hymenopterid-inflicted injuries.
Hymenopterid stings and subsequent allergic reactions are a common indication for emergency department visits worldwide. Unrecognized anaphylactic reactions to hymenopterid stings by apids, or bees, and vespids, or wasps, are a significant cause of sudden and unanticipated deaths outdoors in young people, with and without atopic histories. Insect bites and stings, often complicated by allergic reactions or skin infections, by community-acquired pathogens, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, are common sources of morbidity following hurricanes, tropical storms, and prolonged flooding. This article will review and critically analyze the descriptive epidemiology and outcomes of hymenopterid bites, stings, and allergic reactions, especially following hurricanes and prolonged flooding disasters; stratify the immunologic reactions to hymenopterid stings by clinical severity and outcomes; and present current recommendations for management, prophylaxis, and prevention of hymenopterid stings and reactions.
Diaz
James H
JH
School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans 70112, USA. jdiaz@lsuhsc.edu
D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D000818:Animals; D000862:Ant Venoms / Q000506:poisoning; D001514:Bee Venoms / Q000506:poisoning; D004190:Disasters; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D006927:Hymenoptera; D006967:Hypersensitivity; D015994:Incidence; D007299:Insect Bites and Stings / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014862:Wasp Venoms / Q000506:poisoning
D000862:Ant Venoms; D001514:Bee Venoms; D014862:Wasp Venoms