Spread of stinging ants to oceanic islands, and the need to raise awareness of prevention and treatment of ant stings.
Emerg Med Australas
; 35(4): 560-563, 2023 08.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-36596650
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
Venomous invasive ants are rapidly dispersing throughout oceanic islands. Medics unfamiliar with envenomation or venom-induced anaphylaxis may be unprepared for the range of possible reactions and corresponding treatments. We detail the suboptimal treatment of a patient suffering anaphylaxis from an ant sting on a remote island and describe what treatment should have been provided.METHODS:
The patient experienced stings on his feet from an ant later identified as tropical fire ant, Solenopsis geminata. Clinical examination revealed throat swelling without obstruction of the airway or pharynx.RESULTS:
The patient was provided the following suboptimal treatment intravenously-administered antihistamine and saline perfusion. Injected epinephrine should be the standard first line of treatment for anaphylaxis, even when not all symptoms are present.CONCLUSION:
A rise in invasive hymenopteran stings on oceanic islands is inevitable, and proactively improving public awareness and medical training could save lives.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Hormigas
/
Anafilaxia
/
Mordeduras y Picaduras de Insectos
/
Venenos de Hormiga
Límite:
Animals
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Emerg Med Australas
Asunto de la revista:
MEDICINA DE EMERGENCIA
Año:
2023
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Australia