A simple task like clearing brush put this young man’s health at risk.
When fifteen old Logan first felt some discomfort in his wrist area, he thought he had just scratched the area.
Grid Like Rash Created Immense Pain
He then noticed what looked like a red grid on the affected skin, which spread up his arm onto his chest. A short time later, even though the entire arm felt numb, it also felt like it was on fire.
Mom Tries Home Remedy For Relief
His Mother Andrea thought it might have been some type of bug sting and after washing the area, rubbed it with garlic thinking it may help to remove any venom that may be present.
A Trip To The Emergency Room
Within an hour Logan had become ill enough that he had to be taken to the emergency room.
Mom Concerned
At first, Mom didn’t think it was an immediate emergency.
She became more concerned when the ER began giving immediate attention to Logan.
The Culprit Caught
The most venomous caterpillar in the United States
It was discovered that it was a Puss Caterpillar that was causing Logan to be ill.
Puss Caterpillar aka Southern Flannel Moth
Venomous spines on fur
It is the fur of the larva that contains the venom.
Potential symptoms
Aside from the symptoms that Logan had this insect can cause many other symptoms if it comes in contact with human skin.
Symptoms can be severe with radiating pain
Burning Swelling Nausea Headache
Abdominal discomfort Chest pain Numbness
Tingling rash blisters breathing difficulty
Many who have had a run in with this caterpillar say its feels like blunt force trauma to the affected area, or like a bone has been broken.
Treatment
Those who have been affected by the caterpillar should seek medical help quickly. Some say that a piece of tape should be used to remove the spines from the skin. Then additional medical treatment may be used.
Mom Gets The Word Out
Mom puts a post on Facebook about Logan’s run-in with caterpillar
Logan’s mom was worried as to what would happen if the Puss Caterpillar were to affect younger children, so she spread the word about the incident on Facebook.
More Cautious
Logan says he is more cautious now when he is outdoors
He is more alert to his surroundings and the possibility that there could be a Puss Caterpillar lurking about.
Where It Is Most Found
It seems to favor different species of oak and elm trees in the North Central Florida area. It is found in the South Eastern United States according to an article found at entnemdept.
Logan’s Mother Was Right
Logan’s Mom was right to be concerned about this insect biting younger children.
Tampa Toddler Stung by Puss Caterpillar
Fifteen month old was stung by puss caterpillar while playing in a public play area in Tama Florida
Nasty Sting Between Fingers
The toddler was bitten on the hand between his fingers, and it was easy to tell that something was wrong from his crying. His caregiver knew immediately that he was in a lot of pain
271 cases of stings were reported in 2015, and 66 of these were in the Tampa Bay area.
Even though something may seem like it is cute and fuzzy, be careful!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
