NAVMED P-5010-8 - Navy Medicine - U.S. Navy
NAVMED P-5010-8 - Navy Medicine - U.S. Navy
NAVMED P-5010-8 - Navy Medicine - U.S. Navy
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8-46 CHAPTER 8. NAVY ENTOMOLOGY AND PEST CONTROL TECHNOLOGY 8-46<br />
common sources of serious envenomization. The<br />
stings of these insects can be quite painful.<br />
Although the composition of hymenopterans<br />
venoms varies, most of them have a predominantly<br />
hemolytic factor associated with a smaller fraction<br />
of neurotoxin. Reactions between individuals<br />
exposed to a specific venom may vary considerably.<br />
For example, a bee sting may cause no<br />
effect or it may precipitate death. A serious manifestation<br />
of hymenopteran hypersensitivity is<br />
anaphylactic shock occasionally accompanied by<br />
regurgitation, encopresis, enuresis, rapid decrease<br />
in blood pressure, atypically slow pulse,<br />
prostration, debilitation and possibly death.<br />
(7) Caterpillars. Caterpillars, the<br />
immature form of many species of Lepidoptera,<br />
may cause mild to severe contact dermatitis,<br />
nodular conjunctivitis, respiratory pain, headache<br />
and convulsions by injecting hemolytic venom<br />
into the skin by the tiny stinging (urticating) hairs<br />
that cover their bodies. These hairs may be<br />
present on not only the caterpillars, but on the egg<br />
covers, cocoons, and adults. The hairs may<br />
become airborne after being broken off, or be<br />
present in soil after the exoskeleton has been shed<br />
or the caterpillar is killed. An association with<br />
hairs from these sources can cause pulmonary<br />
inflammation and edema and/or dermal<br />
involvement. Injury by urticating caterpillars is<br />
seasonal, usually occurs in the spring, and is most<br />
common among children playing in trees or<br />
shrubbery. The most important species of these<br />
caterpillars in the United States are the puss<br />
caterpillar, Megalopyge opercularis; saddleback<br />
caterpillar, Sibine stimulea; range caterpillar<br />
Hemileuca olivaiae; crinkled flannel moth, Lagoa<br />
crispata; and the slug caterpillar, Adoneta<br />
spinuloides. Tape can be used to mechanically<br />
remove imbedded hairs or spines.<br />
(8) Allergens. Insect allergens may be a<br />
significant causative factor in clinical allergic<br />
respiratory involvement, especially of the seasonal<br />
type, as shown by skin test reactions to insect<br />
extracts. Some insects associated with clinical<br />
conditions include mayflies and fungus gnats,<br />
which may cause asthma; caddisflies, which may<br />
cause asthma and coryza; and bees, which<br />
occasionally precipitate hypersensitive airborne<br />
particles. Aphids, beetles, and house flies may<br />
cause allergic rhinitis or asthma. Stored food<br />
insects may be a significant factor in mite dust<br />
allergy, while household insects may be a causative<br />
factor in house dust allergy.<br />
d. First Aid for Envenomization. First aid<br />
for envenomization depends upon the nature of the<br />
venom, but the following general procedures are<br />
recommended:<br />
(1) Take the victim to a physician immediately.<br />
If this is not possible, call a physician<br />
immediately for advice.<br />
(2) If marked swelling or discoloration<br />
occurs at the site of envenomization, the venom is<br />
probably hemolytic, hemorrhagic, or vesicating.<br />
Keep the victim warm and quiet until a physician<br />
is consulted.<br />
(3) If little or no swelling or discoloration<br />
occurs at the site of envenomization, the venom is<br />
probably neurotoxic. Apply ice to the site or, if<br />
possible, immerse the affected part of the body in<br />
ice water. Do not let the measures delay getting<br />
the victim to a physician.<br />
(4) A physician must be reached if anaphylactic<br />
shock symptoms appear. During transportation<br />
or until medical assistance arrives, treat<br />
the patient symptomatically.<br />
e. Treatment of Envenomization. Treatment<br />
of envenomization varies with the type of<br />
envenomization and the nature and severity of the<br />
symptoms. Neurotoxic envenomization is treated<br />
with specific antivenoms or with intravenously<br />
injected gluconate, epinephrine or adrenaline.<br />
Cytolytic envenomization often requires prolonged<br />
symptomatic treatment. Hemorrhagic envenomization,<br />
when severe, is treated with vitamin K.<br />
Urtication is treated by washing the skin with a<br />
bactericidal soap and a course cloth to remove any<br />
remaining hairs. Administer antihistamines.<br />
Vesicating envenomization is treated by draining<br />
8-58<br />
9 Nov 2004