Outbreak of lepidopterism at a Boy Scout camp.
BACKGROUND
Lepidopterism refers to moth- or butterfly-associated illness, including contact dermatitis, urticaria, and occasional systemic reactions. Lepidopterism outbreaks are rare.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate a lepidopterism outbreak associated with caterpillars of the Douglas-fir tussock moth (DFTM; Orgyia pseudotsugata) among Boy Scouts attending summer camp in New Mexico.


METHODS
Retrospective cohort analysis; environmental investigation.


RESULTS
Attendees were primarily male (100/107; 94%) and less than 18 years old (82/107; 77%). Itch, rash, or hives were reported by 56 of 102 (55%) of campers. Patients were more likely to report direct caterpillar contact (relative risk [RR]: 2.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-5.5); playing a caterpillar-flicking game (RR: 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-3.4); and sleeping at campsite 6, where caterpillars were most numerous (RR: 1.7; 95% CI, 1.3-2.4). All patients recovered.


CONCLUSIONS
Data on disease status and risk factors were collected retrospectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Modifying behaviors associated with lepidopterism and avoiding areas of heavy infestation can reduce illness risk.
Redd
John T
JT
Epidemic Intelligence Service, assigned to the New Mexico Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. john.redd@ihs.gov
Voorhees
Ronald E
RE
Török
Thomas J
TJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000818:Animals; D002165:Camping; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005076:Exanthema / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007915:Lepidoptera; D008297:Male; D009516:New Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D011537:Pruritus / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014581:Urticaria / Q000453:epidemiology*