A recent study examines "the symptomatic adverse health outcomes among beekeepers and those living in proximity to hives."

2,580 articles were identified, with 11 subsequently included which reported on nine unique studies. Eight articles (six studies) reported the prevalence of adverse health outcomes amongst beekeepers; specifically bee venom allergy, propolis allergy, and Lyme borreliosis.

7% of beekeepers had experienced a
systemic reaction and 2% an anaphylactic reaction.
This finding is likely to have been influenced by healthy
worker bias, as beekeepers who have experienced
severe reactions to bee venom may have ceased
beekeeping activities.

Tick bites were found to be common
amongst beekeepers, with 85.25% reporting having
experienced these bites, and 26.6% of beekeepers
reporting that they frequently experienced tick bites.

While beekeepers may experience a range of adverse
health outcomes, there is insufficient evidence to determine
the prevalence and incidence of these outcomes,
whether beekeepers are at increased risk of these outcomes,
and what the risk factors for these outcomes are.

Stanhope, Jessica, Scott Carver, and Philip Weinstein. 
"Health outcomes of beekeeping: a systematic review." 
Journal of Apicultural Research 56.2 (2017): 100-111.

PLB

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