Attention, oak processionary moth: skin reactions and health risks!

Attention, oak processionary moth: skin reactions and health risks!

Bremen, Deutschland - in Bremen it is high time to keep your eyes open! Around 30 reports on oak processionary spinners have been registered on public ground since mid -May. The Ahlken car park is particularly affected on the A1, which was closed due to this uninvited guests. But that's not all: In other cities of Lower Saxony and Bremen, such as Borgfeld, Huchting and Delmenhorst, these harmful caterpillars have appeared. This reports Buten un inland .

The oak processionary moths live in colonies, the nests of which can reach the size of a football. At the moment, a special company is busy removing the caterpillars from the trees, so that the parking lot is expected to be released again on Thursday afternoon. The Bremen Environment Agency is responsible for combating these pests, and when discovering such nests it is important to inform the health department.

Health risks in focus

The dangers that come from these caterpillars should not be underestimated. Their broken hair contains the Thaumetopoein nettle poison, which can cause health problems with contact. The symptoms include itching, swelling, asthma attacks and eye irritation. If you come into contact with the hen hair, you should rinse them with water and take off the affected clothing immediately. In the event of more severe symptoms, a doctor's visit is recommended to obtain suitable drugs for relieving the symptoms, such as advises.

The symptoms can range from skin reactions such as catering decorations, which manifests itself as whisper or blisters, to serious allergic reactions such as urticaria or even shortness of breath. Particular caution is required when children play or people rest near the nests. Here, the fine hen hair can be worn by wind over 100 meters and end up in meadows, which increases the risk of skin or respiratory disease. The AOK indicates that the symptoms usually disappear after two days to two weeks, but in more severe cases the risk of anaphylactic shocks exists.

side effects and preventive measures

The problem seems to be reinforced by climate change, since the oak processionary spinners in urban areas are increasingly to be found. It is advisable to avoid the affected areas and to immediately notify the corresponding areas when it comes to sighting. "Do not touch the nests or caterpillars, because they can trigger serious allergic reactions," warns the health department. Instead, you should call the experts who take care of the distance.