Anxiety, Neurological Impacts, and Other Cognitive, Diagnostic, and Treatment Issues Surrounding European Wasp Stings

McGain, Harrison, and Winkel (2000) report that Australia has a diversity of creatures spewing venom, many of which are capable of inflicting lethal injuries to individuals. European wasps (Vespula germanica), while not gaining as much public attention as snake and spider bites in America, are capable of injecting highly dangerous stings. In reference to the widespread distribution of wasps and bees (Hymenopterans), McGaine et al. (2000) assert that this distribution results in their stings as being the leading cause of deaths worldwide from bites and stings. Most deaths are the result of individuals having hypersensitive reactions to the venom. McGain et al. (2000) note that there is a dearth of publications regarding the circumstances and the number of fatalities in Australia from European wasp stings. They maintain that analyzing lethal incidences would greatly assist in injury prevention, especially as European wasps are intense scavengers, and are thus found in great numbers around areas where humans live and interact where they ought to be considered hazardous. McGain et al. (2000) also find that more European wasp stings occur in the summer months. Therefore, education and emergency kits for those who are novel victims of stings, or who may have life-threatening Hymenoptera venom allergies, are paramount. California Southern University, USA