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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

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