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Outbreak of lepidopterism at a Boy Scout camp

John T Redd1, Ronald E Voorhees, Thomas J Török

  • 1Epidemic Intelligence Service, assigned to the New Mexico Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. john.redd@ihs.gov

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|March 21, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

An outbreak of Douglas-fir tussock moth (DFTM) caterpillar-associated lepidopterism affected Boy Scouts, with rash and itching common. Direct contact and specific behaviors increased risk, but all campers recovered.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Lepidopterism, illness from moth or butterfly contact, is rare but can cause dermatitis, urticaria, and systemic reactions.
  • This study investigates a specific lepidopterism outbreak linked to Douglas-fir tussock moth (DFTM) caterpillars.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine a lepidopterism outbreak among Boy Scouts at a New Mexico summer camp.
  • To identify risk factors associated with DFTM caterpillar exposure.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective cohort analysis was employed.
  • An environmental investigation was conducted to assess caterpillar density and exposure.
  • Data on disease status and risk factors were collected retrospectively.

Main Results:

  • Of 107 Boy Scouts, 55% reported symptoms like itch, rash, or hives.
  • Increased risk was associated with direct caterpillar contact (RR: 2.7), playing a caterpillar-flicking game (RR: 1.9), and sleeping in highly infested areas (RR: 1.7).
  • Attendees were predominantly male (94%) and under 18 years old (77%).

Conclusions:

  • Behavioral modifications and avoiding heavily infested areas can mitigate lepidopterism risk.
  • All affected campers experienced full recovery.

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