Africanized honeybees in urban areas: a public health concern

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2014 Sep-Oct;47(5):659-62. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0254-2013.

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of Africanized honeybees in Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil, and to implement a program to remove such swarms.

Methods: The occurrences of Africanized honeybee swarms between 2010 and 2012 were studied and strategies to prevent accidents were developed.

Results: We noted 1,164 cases of Africanized honeybee occurrences in the city, and 422 swarms were collected. The developed strategies to prevent accidents were disseminated to the population.

Conclusions: We contributed to reducing the risks represented by Africanized honeybee swarms in urban areas, by collecting swarms and disseminating strategic information for preventing accidents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Animals
  • Bee Venoms / toxicity*
  • Bees / classification
  • Bees / physiology*
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Insect Bites and Stings / epidemiology*
  • Introduced Species*
  • Middle Aged
  • Population Dynamics
  • Urban Population
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Bee Venoms