Doctors in Guernsey have been warned to look out for unexplained rashes and breathing issues in patients, after a spike in the population of a species of toxic moth caterpillars.
Express understands that public health officials have quietly reached out to GPs following an “increase” in the activity of Oak Processionary Moths to ask them to report any cases.
As caterpillars the moths – which live almost exclusively in oak trees – can cause irritation in the skin, eyes and throat as well as breathing issues.
The adults are small, dark-coloured and covered in fine white hairs, while the caterpillars 0 also known as larvae – are hairy, dark and often seen following each other in nose-to-tail processions, which give the moths their name.
Express has contacted the States for a comment.
Hidden threat
While adult moths are harmless, the caterpillars are covered in thousands of microscopic, allergy-inducing hairs.
These hairs contain an irritating protein called thaumetopoein, which can easily detach, float in the wind, or linger on tree bark and grass for months.
Experts warn that you do not even need to touch a caterpillar to suffer the consequences.
The greatest risk period runs through the summer months, putting anyone walking through local parks, woodland areas, or private gardens at potential risk, according the UK’s Forestry Commission.
What are the symptoms?
Health warnings highlight several key signs to watch out for if you have spent time near oak trees:
- Intensely itchy, painful rashes on the skin
- Sore, irritated eyes and scratchy throats
- Breathing difficulties or other respiratory issues in more severe cases
How to stay safe
If you spot the moths or their characteristic white, silken dome-shaped nests locally, experts advise following strict safety precautions:
- Know the signs: Learn to recognise oak trees, caterpillars moving nose-to-tail, and their discoloured webbing trails.
- Keep away: Never touch the caterpillars, nests, or web material. Keep children and pets well away, as animals can suffer serious distress from hairs in their mouths and noses.
- Seek help: See a pharmacist for skin or eye irritations, consult a GP if you experience a serious allergic reaction, or contact a vet if your pets are affected.
- Leave it to pros: Never try to remove nests yourself. Report them instead and let trained professionals handle the clearance.
