Itchy rash in Aalen: Eichen processionary spinner causes problems!

Itchy rash in Aalen: Eichen processionary spinner causes problems!

After the hustle and bustle of the "Pink Bowl" event in the Centus Arena in Aalen last weekend, numerous visitors and employees returned with itchy rashes. A phenomenon that affects families with children now alerts the city and the local clinics: suspected of the oak processionary spinner. This dreaded pest is currently causing discomfort and can lead to ugly rashes that torture the affected ones.

The Ostalb Clinic is particularly affected, where increasingly patients have been treated with rashes in the past two weeks. According to reports from the Schwäbische Post , the clinic has already initiated measures to protect employees and patients. These include the average of grass around the clinic and the fight against caterpillars by professional service providers.

The first measures

But the city of Aalen also does not remain idle. The oak processionary spinner has been going on since May, but with moderate success. The oaks in the endangered forest areas Greut, Burren and Rohrwang already show significant signs of an infestation. In order to ensure the security of the citizens, the Kurt Früh-Weg and the cycling lane on Rombacher Strasse have now been blocked.

The health risks that the oak processionary moth brings with it are considerable. Experts of the AOK emphasize that contact with the fine fillage of the caterpillars can lead to violent skin exposure. These skin reactions, also known as caterpillar matitis, often show themselves on uncovered parts of the body such as neck, face, arms and legs. Typical symptoms are bubbles, blisters and severe itching. The symptoms can last between two days and two weeks.

Allergic reactions in focus

But that's not all. With particularly sensitive people, contact with the hen hair can even trigger serious allergic reactions. About 15 to 60 minutes after contact, some affected people report Nesselucht, which is noticeable by reddish, itchy whispering and any swelling of the eyelids. In some cases, these skin reactions can also lead to breathing shortage if the fine hairs are inhaled, as can be seen on Netdoktor

Especially in the period between the end of May and July, the oak processionary spinner is increasingly to be expected, and the infestation has also increased since 2018. The caterpillars can spread their burner hair up to 500 meters in favorable weather conditions. This means that those affected, who may not be in the immediate vicinity of the oaks, can develop symptoms. Against this background, it is advisable to avoid oak forests during the active time of the caterpillars.

The city and those responsible are challenged to master this unpleasant situation. If you are outdoors, you should pay attention to information, move thoroughly after contact and possibly rely on the 60-degree laundry of the clothes to get rid of the hell. Preventive measures are therefore the key to protect yourself from the annoying consequences of this butterfly chest.