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not directly due to a given harmful substance; rather, it is
an inappropriate response to the substance by the affected
individual’s own immune system. Some people’s immune
systems are ill-equipped to handle envenomation by these
insects — each year about 50 (and sometimes more than 100)
people die from anaphylaxis following Hymenoptera stings.
If someone with a known allergy is stung, he or she should
have the necessary medication available. First, the stung
individual should take an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine
(Benadryl). This type of medication dampens the body’s
inappropriate and dangerous response to the offending
substance and is the definitive treatment. If the person is
unable to swallow the antihistamine, he may require immediate
injection with epinephrine, which can reopen a swelling airway
and reconstrict dilating blood vessels in a matter of seconds.
Prompt administration of this drug can be lifesaving. Signs it is
appropriate to administer epinephrine include difficulty breathing
or swallowing, large areas of swelling and signs of shock (pale,
cool skin; weak pulse; rapid respirations). In the absence of any
signs of anaphylaxis, a dose of epinephrine may be wasted if given
too early or unnecessarily. If you’re in a remote location and have
a limited amount of the medication, timing is important.
MAMMALS
Despite the fact mammal bites do not come with a risk
of envenomation, they do carry a risk of infection and
disease transmission. Wash bites with soap and warm
water, and see a physician for an assessment of the need
for rabies prophylaxis. Foxes, bats, possums, raccoons,
skunks and dogs can all be carriers of the virus. Any
mammal that bites a human should be considered suspect.
Postexposure prophylaxis consists of five injections over
the course of two weeks. This is a small price to pay
considering the symptoms of rabies — general malaise
progressing to confusion, agitation, abnormal behavior,
hallucinations and, within a few days, death. Once
symptoms occur, rabies is not generally survivable.
Although the presence of creepy-crawly things that bite
is often given as a reason some people don’t like to spend
time outside, in North America, at least, the chances of
being seriously injured by envenomation are extremely
small. Understanding why bites and stings occur, how
to recognize and evaluate the symptoms and how to
treat them can ease minds and improve confidence for
venturing into the outdoors.
AD
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59
Key Largo’s
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