From the archives-

Jerry J Bromenshenk <[log in to unmask]>
>
> Fri, 14 May 1999 15:57:15 -0600
>
> Dr. Thomas D. Bell here in Missoula, MT published one of the first papers
> on bee sting allergies among members of beekeeper families.
>
> In MT, where we have large commercial operations, there is a
> disproportionately high number of spouses and children who are
> hypersensitive.  Best guess is that is has something to do with long term
> contact with venoms, pollen, bee body parts in clothing, etc.
>
> This appears to be somewhat the same as people with allergies to dust mites
> or to a friend of mine who had to give up automotive repair after long term
> contact with grease and oil.
>
> One recommendation, don't bring dirty suits, etc. into the house to wash
> with the family clothes.
>
> As per the desensitizing shots.  The pure venom shots are more effective
> than the "bee parts".  Many allergists don't prescribe because of cost.
>
> Over the past 25 years, occasionally one of my students starts to become
> sensitive to stings. Most get less sensitive.  Of those who begin to
> react, most have left to do other things.  One loved bees so much she went
> through the shots.  Bell says she reacted about as bad as he had ever seen.
>  Today, she works with bees on a split appointment with the Smithsonian and
> Univ. of MD.
>
> I just got back from shaking bees at Hot Springs.  Among the beekeeper's
> children are some who react very badly.  One was helped by the shots, the
> other wasn't.
>
> Finally, one of my colleagues studies birds in remote parts of Mexico.  He
> got the shots after finding out that he was very allergic.  It gives him a
> lot of protection when working far from medical attention.
>

Bill Truesdell
Bath, Maine

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