Epidemiology

Due to lack of relevant reporting mandates, there are no clear epidemiologic statistics on insect bites and stings. Biting and stinging insects are globally ubiquitous (with the exception of Antarctica) but are more common in warmer climates and during summer months. In the summer, more encounters are likely due to people being outdoors and bugs being more plentiful. However, exposures may present to practitioners at any time of the year. Some insects are more active during certain times of day.

The incidence of spider bites is unknown, but it is likely that the majority of patients claiming to have been bitten by spiders are in fact suffering from local skin infections or other reactions not due to spider bites.[11][12]

Geographic distribution of some species (e.g., fire ants and brown recluse spiders) has expanded greatly in recent decades.

In the US, an estimated 70 deaths annually are due to stings from hornets, bees, and wasps.[13]​​ It is estimated that only about 3% of adults have a history of systemic allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis).[14][15][16]​​ In a review of 10 studies published between 2001 and 2009, Bilò et al found that 23% of 2,577 cases of anaphylaxis were caused by an insect sting.[17] Historically, about half of fatal reactions have occurred in people without any previous allergic reactions to stings.[18]

This topic focuses on insect bites and stings in adults.

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