Public health impact of envenomation by Vespa velutina nigrithorax and other Hymenoptera in France: a multi-source study - 05/03/26
, J. Hamon a, L. De Haro b, M. Labadie c, A. Maillot d, N. Delcourt e, R. Curtet f, B. Verrat f, A. Fouillet f
Bienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
Article gratuit.
Connectez-vous pour en bénéficier!
Cet article a été publié dans un numéro de la revue, cliquez ici pour y accéder
Highlights |
• | What is already known about this topic? |
• | As with other Hymenoptera that sting humans, the main risks posed by the yellow-legged hornet ( Vespa velutina nigrithorax ) are multiple stings, stings on mucous membranes (mouth), and venom allergy. |
• | What does this article add to our knowledge? |
• | Despite the spread of the yellow-legged hornet in France, no upward or downward trend in Hymenoptera stings was observed during the study period from 2014 to 2023. |
• | The percentage of hospital admissions to intensive care units for Hymenoptera stings seemed to slightly increase from 2014 to 2023. |
• | How does this study impact current guidelines |
• | Measures to be taken in the event of discovering a wasp or hornet nest near homes or in the event of Hymenoptera stings are essential to disseminate to protect the population. |
Abstract |
Introduction |
The yellow-legged hornet, Vespa velutina nigrithorax , is an invasive species native to Asia that has spread rapidly in France and neighboring countries since 2004. The impact of yellow-legged hornet and other Hymenoptera on human health is poorly known, as the latest study was conducted between 2009 and 2013.
Methods |
A descriptive study of the public health impact of envenomation by yellow-legged hornets and other Hymenoptera in France between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2023 based on four complementary health data sources: calls to poison control centers, emergency department visits, hospital admissions and death certificates.
Results |
The temporal distribution of the 6,022 cases recorded by poison control centers and the 179,141 emergency department visits for Hymenoptera stings showed no upward or downward trend over the ten-year study period. Seasonality was marked, with a peak of Hymenoptera stings in July and August. Geographical data showed a homogeneous distribution of Hymenoptera stings throughout France. Of the 6,022 cases recorded by poison control centers, 37% involved wasps, 25% hornets (28% yellow-legged hornet, 24% European hornet, 48% unspecified) and 19% honeybees; the remaining 19% involved unspecified Hymenoptera. Hornets presented the highest risk of severe envenomation (2.3% of hornet stings). Allergic symptoms were observed in 89% of severe Hymenoptera cases. Of the 18,213 hospital admissions for Hymenoptera stings, 13% were in intensive care units, seemed to increase from 10% in 2014 to 17% in 2023. According to death certificates, 256 people died as a result of a Hymenoptera stings, among which 27% of hornet stings. Severe Hymenoptera stings most often affected adults over 60 years old.
Conclusion |
Despite the spread of the yellow-legged hornet in France, no trend in Hymenoptera stings frequency was observed during the study period. However, the percentage of hospital admissions in intensive care units for Hymenoptera stings seemed to increase slightly from 2014 to 2023. In order to monitor their impact on health, a prospective surveillance of Hymenoptera stings could be implemented. Measures to be taken in the event of discovering a wasp or hornet nest near homes or of Hymenoptera stings are essential to disseminate to protect the population.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Abbreviations : CépiDc, ED, ICD, Insee, OSCOUR® network, PMSI, PSS
Keywords : anaphylaxis, envenomation, epidemiology, Hymenoptera, Vespa velutina nigrothorax
Plan
Bienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.