African bee stings on the upswing in Panama

MEDICAL emergencies following bites from Africanized bees, which can cause death,  are on the upswing in Pnama according to the Directorate of Operations of the Fire Department of Panama (CBP ).

Julio Muñoz, a CBP spokesman, said that during the first 15 days of this year 158 medical visits were recorded, but the month of January ended up with 645 cases.

In 2012, 5,231 cases were reported, while last year 6,504 needed treatment an increase of 1,273.
According to Muñoz , the provinces with the highest incidence are Panama and Los Santos . In the case of the metropolitan area, areas that require attention are ALcalde Diaz , Juan Diaz , Howard and those adjacent to the former Canal Zone.
The CBP does not keep records fatalities of victims of attacks of the insect , as the protocol states that the entity should control the situation , but not determine the cause of death.
Roberto Cambra, zoologist at the Museum of Invertebrate zoologist at the University of Panama , said the attacks flare up in the dry season and usually occur by accident or in homes a colony .
Both Muñoz as Cambra agree that if people allergic to the venom of this species are at risk of dying even with a single bite . However, everyone should receive medical attention for removing stings from the skin.
Argentina entomologist Ying explained that these insects are characterized by their
Argentina entomologist Ying said that these insects are characterized by their aggressiveness while caring for the colony. They are upset by noise, heat or physical contact occurring within 45 meters.
Ying said that the bees have up to 10 migratory cycles per year and have adapted to urban areas with minimal vegetation, and buildings.
This species is more aggressive than the European ones that originally came from America. However, once in the country, they mixed with European bees and even became a single species reports La Prensa.