Jumper ant sting twice as bad as bee sting
7 February 2003
Stings from jack jumper ants cause twice as many cases of anaphylaxis in Tasmania compared with bees, new research shows.
The number of stings from this type of bull-ant was also about double that for bees.
(Anaphylaxis is a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction in which the person often gets a rash, feels their throat tighten, has swelling of the lips and face and difficulty breathing. Immediate medical treatment is needed.)
Dr Simon Brown, who led the study while director of emergency medicine at Royal Hobart Hospital, said it demonstrated that the jack jumper sting was a potent cause of allergy.
Five-year follow-up found that if people with a history of an allergic reaction to the ants were stung again, 70 per cent suffered anaphylaxis (79 of 113 who had jack jumper stings).
The reaction risk with subsequent stings in people who had previously experienced an allergic reaction was 70 per cent for those stung by the ants, 57 per cent for people stung by bees and 27 per cent if stung by wasps.
A random phone survey of 1011 people supported by serum venom-specific IgE analysis (blood tests used to diagnose allergy and pinpoint its cause), review of 246 emergency department presentations and follow-up of 388 allergic volunteers found exposure rates, and thus allergy rates, were also much higher for the jack jumper (Myrmecia pilosula) than honeybee (Apis mellifera) and yellow jacket wasp (Vespula germanica).
Jack jumper allergy prevalence was excessive in Tasmania compared with mainland Australia, and those aged 35 or over had a 3-fold greater risk of a severe reaction, with most deaths occurring in this age group (Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 2003; 111: 187-92).
Dr Brown said Tasmanians were especially prone because of their outdoor lifestyle and prevalence of the ants in natural bushland and around houses. Jack jumper ants were also a problem around the Adelaide Hills (where they are known as hopper ants), in rural Victoria (known as jumper ants) and some parts of NSW (known as hopper or jumper ants).
Last Reviewed: 07 February 2003
- 1. Medical Observer Weekly 7/02/03
