A survey of wasp sting injuries in urban Auckland from December to April in 1991/2 and 1992/3.

AIM

To determine the numbers and the seasonal variations in patients seeking medical consultation for wasp sting injuries in urban Auckland.

METHOD

A monthly record of the number of people seeking treatment for wasp stings was kept by 50 general practitioners from 18 medical centres and accident and emergency departments from three hospitals in urban Auckland.

RESULTS

From December to April, 47 people in 1991/2 and 49 in 1992/3 received treatment for wasp sting injuries from the family practitioners surveyed. In addition, 27 people and 35 people received treatment at the three accident and emergency clinics over the same time period in 1991/2 and 1992/3 respectively. Paper wasps were found to be responsible for the majority of the sting injuries reported.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicates that wasp stings have a significant impact on the health of the Auckland population and indicates the urgent need for more detailed studies in other parts of New Zealand.