Hymenoptera stings in Brazil: a neglected health threat in Amazonas State

INTRODUCTION:  Hymenoptera injuries are commonly caused by stinging insects. In Amazonas state, Brazil, there is no information regarding distribution, profile, and systemic manifestations associated with Hymenoptera injuries.

METHODS:  This study aimed to identify risk factors for systemic manifestation using the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (2007 to 2015).

RESULTS:  Half of Hymenoptera injuries were caused by bee stings. Hymenoptera injuries were concentrated in Manaus, and 13.36% of cases displayed systemic signs. Delayed medical assistance (4 to 12 hours) presented four times more risk for systemic manifestations.

CONCLUSIONS:  Simple clinical observations and history of injury are critical information for prognostic improvement.

Keywords:
Hymenoptera sting; Bee sting; Wasp sting; Ant sting; Systemic manifestation