Stinging honeybee
Photo: Kathy Keatly Garvey[
Allergic reactions to insect venoms are a health hazard for many people. Those with known sensitivities can carry doses of epinephrine. Many beekeepers keep EpiPens. These have made news over alleged manufacturer price gouging. Less expensive alternatives are available such as Adrenaclick.
Another option is VIT or Venom ImmunoTherapy. The immune response to a sting can be moderated by inject small calibrated doses of venom into patients. VIT is a worthwhile precaution that can prevent life threatening complications. VIT currently depends on collection of venom from insects. One of the two companies that produce the venom closed due to problems with microbial contaminants in their product. That leaves a single source and shortages of venom. Allergists are responding by altering protocols to conserve venom. Supplies are expected to increase by next year.
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About jjneal
Jonathan Neal is a retired Associate Professor of Entomology at Purdue University and author of the textbook, Living With Insects (2010).
This blog is a forum to communicate about the intersection of insects with people and policy. This is a personal blog.
The opinions and materials posted here are those of the author and are in no way connected with those of my employer.
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