Prevalence of Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Venom Allergic Reactions in Mainland China
Abstract
To evaluate the damage and epidemiologic features of immediate allergic reactions to Solenopsis invicta stings in mainland China, a literature survey, and an internet search were done to obtain data; which were statistically analyzed. This pest became established in mainland China in 2004. We found that the most important reason for the high frequency of stings of people by the red imported fire ant is the pest’s wide and rapidly expanding distribution in 4 provinces of southern mainland China. More than 1/3 of people in ant-infested areas have suffered stings, and people of both sex and of all age groups are highly likely to be stung. All people who have been stung experience itchiness, and almost all experience flare and wheal, while nearly 10% experience fever, some experience dizziness, generalized urticaria or other systemic reactions including anaphylactic shock, which can cause death. Scratching of the itchy areas predisposes the sufferers to secondary infections. The data demonstrate that the allergic reactions to red imported fire ant stings are a serious public health problem, which should be addressed by government and the public.Resumen: Se realizó una encuesta de la literatura y una búsqueda en el Internet para obtener los datos para evaluar el daño y las características epidemiológicas de las reacciones alérgicas inmediatas a las picaduras de la hormiga, Solenopsis invicta, en el sur de China continental; estos datos se analizaron estadísticamente. Esta plaga se estableció en en el sur de China continental en el 2004. Se encontró que la razón más importante para la alta frecuencia de personas con picaduras de la hormiga roja de fuego importada es la amplia y rápida expansión de la distribución de esta plaga en 4 provincias del sur de China continental. Más de un tercio de todas las personas en áreas infestadas de hormigas han sufrido picaduras, y personas de ambos sexos y de todos los grupos de edad son muy propensos a ser picadas. Todas las personas que han sido picadas experimentaron una picazón, y casi todas presentaron una roncha, mientras que casi un 10% presentó fiebre, algunos pacientes pueden experimentar mareos, una urticaria u otras reacciones sistémicas, incluyendo el shock anafiláctico, que puede causar la muerte. El rascado de las áreas afectadas, predispone a los pacientes a infecciones secundarias. Los datos demuestran que las reacciones alérgicas a las picaduras de la importada hormiga roja de fuego es un problema serio a la salud pública, que debe ser atendido por los gobiernos y el público.
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