Secret danger outdoors: Eichen processionary spinners threaten health!

Secret danger outdoors: Eichen processionary spinners threaten health!

Berlin-Charlottenburg, Deutschland - In Berlin, complaints about the oak processionary spinner increase. The contact with the caterpillars of this butterfly species causes rashes and itching, which also led to an outdoor pool in Berlin-Charlottenburg. In addition, barriers were made in several Berlin parking and sports facilities to avoid contact with the dangerous caterpillars. The warning of the state of Brandenburg against an increased risk of walking the forest warns for caution, especially in this active season between April and July. This year there is a worrying increase in caterpillar population, which attributes experts to the warm and dry weather conditions.

The oak processionary spinner has been at home in Germany for around 200 years and originally comes from the Iberian Peninsula. The first mass increase took place in Brandenburg in the 1950s. The way of life of the caterpillars is particularly striking: they eat oak leaves and withdraw into their sprint during the day while they are active at night. The larvae pupate from the end of June before they appear as night -active butterflies in August.

health risks and symptoms

The skin reactions caused by contact with the brain hair of oak processionary spinners are known as caterpillar matis. The symptoms include heavily itchy rashes, which often show themselves on uncovered parts of the body such as neck, face, arms and legs. Experts warn that, in addition to rashes, breathing difficulties and sore throat can also occur, especially in people with allergies or asthma. In severe cases, even anaphylactic reactions can occur that require urgent medical help.

Despite the known risks, there is no precise data on the frequency of these dermatitis. The skin symptoms vary and show themselves as whispering, reddening of the skin, and sometimes also blisters. These are often associated with hives, which can arise 15 to 60 minutes after contact and cause unpleasant symptoms. If the caterpillar hair is inhaled, irritation of the upper respiratory tract and shortness of breath can occur.

preventive measures and reaction

Some animal species, including cuckoo and other birds, feed on the caterpillars. However, pets can also react to the hell. This year, a particularly large number of caterpillars can be observed due to the weather conditions, and climate change could result in a further increase in populations. It remains to be hoped that suitable measures will be taken to inform the population about the risks and to implement protective measures in good time.

For more information about the dangers and skin reactions related to the oak processionary spinner, interested parties can be the articles from deximed and aok consult.