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Outbreak report of airborne caterpillar dermatitis in a kindergarten
Sven Gottschling1, Sascha Meyer, Dorothee Dill-Mueller
1University Children's Hospital, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany. kisgot@uniklinikum-saarland.de
Background:
The oak processionary caterpillar is found in several European countries. The larva of Thaumetopoea processionea Lepidoptera from the third to sixth larval instar develops poisonous hair (setae), filled with an urticating toxin that could lead to serious dermatitis, conjunctivitis and pulmonary problems (summarized as lepidopterism) on contact.
Objectives:
To determine the incidence of caterpillar dermatitis in a kindergarten population with three infested oak trees located in its enclosure.
Methods:
We made a survey by the use of a questionnaire that was handed out to all parents with children regularly visiting that kindergarten.
Results:
Twenty-four out of 47 (51%) questionnaires were returned and 10/24 (42%) children showing symptoms of lepidopterism were reported: 8/10 (80%) dermatitis, 5/10 (50%) pruritus, 5/10 (50%) respiratory distress, 4/10 (40%) malaise and/or fever and 1/10 (10%) conjunctivitis. Seven out of 10 visited a physician but the correct diagnosis was not posed in any case. Four out of 7 received medication (topical and/or systemic antihistaminics and/or steroids).
Conclusions:
Lepidopterism, an airborne disease caused by the setae of the processionary caterpillar, is a growing public health problem because of the increasing numbers of outbreaks, and it is still underestimated. Children seem to suffer more often from general symptoms and airway affection than adults.
