Epidemiology

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Puss Caterpillar Characteristics

• Megalopyge Opercularis
  • Names for Adult Form
    • Southern flannel moth
  • Names for Larval Form
    • Puss moth
    • Tree asp
    • Asp caterpillar
    • Trump caterpillar

Appearance

• Resembles a Tiny Persian Cat: thus, the name “puss”
  • Fur of the Larva Contains Venomous Spines: cause extreme pain on contact with human skin

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Physiology

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Clinical Manifestations

Reaction at Contact Site

• Extreme Pain at Site of Skin Contact with Venous Spines on the Caterpillar
• Rash/Blisters
• Sweating from Welts/Hives at Site of Sting: common

Allergic/Immunologic/Dermatologic Manifestations

• Anaphylaxis (see Anaphylaxis, [[Anaphylaxis]]): may induce an anaphylaxis-like reaction (unknown if IgE-mediated)
• Angioedema (see Angioedema, [[Angioedema]]): may induce an anaphylaxis-like reaction (unknown if IgE-mediated)
• Urticaria (see Urticaria, [[Urticaria]]): may induce an anaphylaxis-like reaction (unknown if IgE-mediated)

Cardiovascular Manifestations

• Chest Pain (see Chest Pain, [[Chest Pain]])

Gastrointestinal Manifestations

• Abdominal Pain (see Abdominal Pain, [[Abdominal Pain]])
• Nausea (see Nausea and Vomiting, [[Nausea and Vomiting]])

Neurologic Manifestations

• Headache (see Headache, [[Headache]])
• Numbness
• Parasthesias Radiating Up the Affected Limb (see Parasthesias, [[Parasthesias]]): with burning and/or edema

Pulmonary Manifestations

• Respiratory Failure (see Respiratory Failure, [[Respiratory Failure]])

Other Manifestations

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Treatment

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References

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