Abstract
BackgroundThe present study aims to investigate the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of bee sting cases recorded between 2007 and 2012 in the city of Campina Grande, Paraíba state, Brazil. Data were collected from the database of the Injury Notification Information System of the Brazilian Ministry of Health.ResultsA total of 459 bee sting cases were retrospectively analyzed. The average annual incidence was 19 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Cases were distributed in all months of the year, with higher prevalence in September and February. Most victims were men aged between 20 and 29 years. The highest incidence of cases was recorded in urban areas. Victims were stung mainly on the head and torso and received medical assistance predominantly 1 to 3 hours after being stung. The most frequent clinical manifestations were pain, edema and itching. Most cases were classified as mild, and three deaths were reported.ConclusionsThe high incidence of envenomations provoked by bees in Campina Grande suggests that it may be an important risk area for accidents. Since several medical records lacked information, clinical-epidemiological profile of bee sting cases in the studied region could not be accurately determined.The current study provides relevant data for the development of strategies to promote control and prevention of bee stings in this area. Further training for health professionals seems to be necessary to improve their skills in recording clinical-epidemiological information as well as in treating bee sting victims.
Highlights
The present study aims to investigate the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of bee sting cases recorded between 2007 and 2012 in the city of Campina Grande, Paraíba state, Brazil
The current study provides relevant data for the development of strategies to promote control and prevention of bee stings in this area
Further training for health professionals seems to be necessary to improve their skills in recording clinical-epidemiological information as well as in treating bee sting victims
Summary
The present study aims to investigate the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of bee sting cases recorded between 2007 and 2012 in the city of Campina Grande, Paraíba state, Brazil. Venomous animals comprise a significant health problem in many parts of the world, in Africa, Southeast Asia and Tropical America. In these regions, epidemiological studies on venomous animals are generally restricted to envenomation by snakes and scorpions. In Latin America, bee stings are considered a public health problem due to the high incidence and clinical severity of such cases [2,3]. Health Academic Unit, Education and Health Center, Federal University of Campina Grande, Cuité campus, Cuité, Paraíba State, Brazil The incidence of bee stings, regardless of the species involved, varies from country to country and between regions in a country, depending on diverse factors including climate, ecological parameters, biodiversity, distribution of species, human population density, economic activities, types of dwellings, among others.
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