WED 07 APR 2004
Each summer, tens of thousands of Australians prepare themselves, not for the joys of endless barbeques with friends, walks in the forest or lying on the beach, but for a life of virtual imprisonment, living with the fear that a single sting from a jack jumper ant could kill them.
Jack Jumper Allergy affects at least 3% of the Tasmanian population, and until recently there has been no known effective treatment.
In March 2003, the results of a trial being conducted at the Royal Hobart Hospital produced internationally ground breaking results with a breakthrough treatment for the allergy that was proven to be almost 99% effective.
(see http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/2864939.stm)
The allergy is severe and life threatening and allergic individuals experience varying grades of anaphylactic shock, which in some cases has resulted in death.
Continued …
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