A SURVEY OF WASP STING INJURIES IN URBAN AUCKLAND FROM DECEMBER TO APRIL IN 1991 2 AND 1992/3/

Aim. To determine the numbers and the seasonal variations in patients seeking medical consultation for wasp sting injuries in urban Auckland . Method. A monthly record of the number of people seeking treatment f or wasp stings was kept by 50 general practitioners from 18 medical ce ntres and accident and emergency departments from three hospitals in u rban Auckland. Results. From December to April, 47 people in 1991/2 an d 49 in 1992/3 received treatment for wasp sting injuries from the fam ily practitioners surveyed. In addition, 27 people and 35 people recei ved treatment at the three accident and emergency clinics over the sam e time period in 1991/2 and 1992/3 respectively. Paper wasps were foun d to be responsible for the majority of the sting injuries reported. C onclusion. Our data indicates that wasp stings have a significant impa ct on the health of the Auckland population and indicates the urgent n eed for more detailed studies in other parts of New Zealand.