Moth-associated dermatitis - Cozumel, Mexico, 1990
Article Abstract:
An outbreak of dermatitis was reported in December 1989 by the Mexican Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) among hotel employees in Cozumel, a tourist area off the coast of the Yucatan peninsula, which has 17 hotels. A survey was conducted by the FETP to investigate the cause of the rash; initially scabies, a contagious skin disease caused by a mite, was suspected. However, several individuals mentioned that their rash occurred after skin contact with a moth. During the two months preceding the dermatitis outbreak, a large number of moths had been noticed, but were no longer evident; most of cases of dermatitis had also begun to resolve. In January 1990 a second outbreak coincided with another appearance of the moths. A trial was conducted; six volunteers had direct skin contact with the moths. An intense rash immediately developed and lasted for three days. The moth was identified as genus Hylesia, species alinda Druce. It has a three-month life cycle, which follows the pattern of the dermatitis outbreaks. Insect repelling light bulbs, insect traps, and insecticides were used to control an anticipated third outbreak. A notation by the Centers for Disease Control mentioned that the first case of dermatitis, resulting from skin contact with the Hylesia moth, was reported in 1901 in the US. Other outbreaks have been reported in Venezuela and Peru. The cause of the rash has been attributed to a chemical substance in the moth's hairs, but the precise mechanism of pathogenesis has not been identified. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1990
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Latex glove allergy: a survey of the US Army Dental Corps
Article Abstract:
A significant number of dentists may be allergic to latex gloves. Dentists have been advised to wear latex gloves during all dental procedures to decrease the risk of transmitting blood-borne diseases. Among 1,043 dental officers in the US Army, 143 (13.7%) were allergic to latex gloves. Of the dentists who were allergic to latex gloves, 80 (55.9%) switched to another latex glove that did not cause an allergic reaction, 11 (7.7%) could wear latex gloves after applying a medication to their hands and nine (6.3%) could wear latex gloves with a vinyl glove underneath. Some dentists experienced a delayed allergic reaction, some developed a localized rash or hives and others developed a generalized rash or hives. Some health care professionals who are allergic to latex gloves may develop an allergic reaction with severe or life threatening complications. Health care professionals should be questioned about their latex sensitivity before undergoing certain types of medical procedures.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
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Cercarial dermatitis outbreak at a state park - Delaware, 1991
Article Abstract:
In Oct, 1991, 30 individuals who had been wading in Delaware Bay contracted cercarial dermatitis, or swimmer's itch. A few snails collected from the water were found to be infected with a worm called Microbilharzia variglandis. This organism initially infects shorebirds such as ducks and geese. The worm produces eggs that are excreted in the water and infect a mollusk. The eggs produce cercariae, which is the free-swimming larval stage of the worm. These larvae then re-infect the bird or any other host. Snails are more likely to shed the cercariae during warm weather in calm water at low tide, conditions that were present in Delaware during the outbreak. Signs should be posted along areas where people wade warning them of the risks of contracting cercarial dermatitis. Protective clothing can help reduce the incidence of infection.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
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