Definition of Bee sting, Africanized
Bee sting, Africanized definition - medical term All stings from bees (and other large stinging
insects such as yellow jackets, hornets and wasps) can trigger allergic reactions
varying greatly in severity. Avoidance and prompt treatment are essential. This
is surely so with Africanized honey bees, a special species of honey bees that are
reportedly moving into the United States from the south. (Africanized honey bees
are thought to have originally populated this hemisphere proliferating in Brazil
in the 1950s.)
This species of bees has an unusual and dangerous natural defense mechanism when
disturbed. For instance, a loud noise or vibration near a hive, such as a barking
dog or lawn mower, may cause the bees to display aggressive behavior. They attack
in large numbers and for a longer period of than is typical of the common docile
honey bee (European honey bee). As a result, Africanized honey bees when they attack
inflict more stings, causing a higher dosage of bee venom to be injected into their
victims.
The lethal dose of honeybee venom is about 19 stings per kg of body weight (that
is 1,300 stings for a 150 pound person). Animals (especially caged ones) as well
as humans are at risk.
Healthy people can often outrun the bees; however, the bees may give chase for
as much as a quarter of a mile!
Africanized honey bees cannot be eradicated after becoming established in areas.
The bees become a normal part of natural life in the environment visiting gardens
and traveling flower to flower just as the common European honey bees.
Africanized honey bee stings, like those of common honey bees, can cause local
pain, itching, swelling, skin infection. They can also cause allergic reaction with
breathing difficulty, heart irregularity, seizures, shock, and death. Serious kidney,
muscle, liver, brain, and lung damage can result.
There is no bee antivenom currently available. Prevention and avoidance is key.
Eliminate sites of possible colonization (holes, junk piles, etc.). Inspect premises
for possible colonization. Self-injectable adrenaline can be carried by persons
known to be allergic when in risk areas. Hikers should wear long pants and shirts
in risk areas. If attacked run for shelter, covering face to prevent airway stings.
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms. Stingers should be removed promptly
and the area cleansed with soap and water. Ice packs, pain medications, and antiitch
medications can be helpful for local reactions. More serious symptoms and multiple
sting victims are often hospitalized for observation and treatment. They can require
intravenous fluids, oxygen, cortisone medicine, epinephrine as well as medications
to open the breathing passages. In very severe reactions, the venom is removed from
the blood by plasmapheresis or hemodialysis.
Of note, both Africanized honey bees and European honey bees die after stinging.
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