Increasing Incidence of Medical Visits due to Insect Stings in Alaska Background

first two known cases of fatal anaphylaxis resulting from yellow jacket stings. These cases occurred concurrently with anecdotal reports of an increase in yellow jacket prevalence in the state, both Vespula vulgaris (common ground yellow jacket) and Dolichovespula arenaria (aerial yellow jacket). These observations prompted an investigation to determine if there has been an increased incidence of medical visits due to insect stings/bites in Alaska in recent years. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of two databases in Alaska to identify trends of patients seeking care for adverse reactions following insect stings: (1) the Alaska Medicaid Database from 1999–2006, and (2) the Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center of Alaska (AAIC) clinic visit database from 1999–2007. Cases of adverse reactions to insect stings were defined as a person diagnosed from 1999–2006 with any mention of one or more of the following ICD-9 codes: E905.3 (venomous insect specific to hymenoptera), E906.4 (bite from non-venomous arthropod), and 989.5 (toxic effect from venom) as the primary diagnosis. Rates were calculated using Alaskans enrolled in Medicaid during the study period.