SIGNIFICANCE OF AFRICANIZED BEES FOR PUBLIC-HEALTH - A REVIEW

Although massive sting attacks by Africanized bees are currently rare, this type of bee is now endemic in parts of Arizona and Texas, and wi ll probably spread to other warm climate areas in the United States. T reatment of severe toxic reactions to multiple stings usually includes management of shock, hypoxia, and other effects of organ damage, New approaches to reduce blood levels of venom including production of a b ee antivenom and hemodialysis require further study, Patients with a t rivial allergy to single stings could be at risk from systemic anaphyl axis to multiple bee stings. Those who wish to remain in endemic areas in spite of histories of systemic anaphylaxis to bee stings should be treated with venom immuno-therapy, possibly administered more intensi vely and for longer periods than currently recommended. Continued publ ic education is needed to limit contact with aggressive Africanized be e colonies.