EPIDEMIC OUTBREAKS OF DERMATITIS CAUSED B Y HYLESIA (LEPIDOPTERA, HEMILEUCIDAE), IN SAO-PAULO STATE, BRAZIL

Epidemic outbreaks of dermatitis caused by Hylesia sp wich occurred in the coastal region of the State of S. Paulo during the period of Dece mber 1989 to December 1991 are confirmed. The incident assumed its gre atest intensity in Bertioga, in Santos County, where 612 cases were re gistered. The outbreak also affected 12 other counties in that region and it was estimated that hundred of affected persons sought the Local Health Service Care. The majority presented with erythematous and pru tiginous lesions and papula which lasted 7 to 14 days on average. Trea tment consisted of systemic administration of antihistamines, and the use of topic corticosteroides and cold compresses. During the above-me ntioned period, three epidemic episodes, coninciding with the rainy se ason (November to January), ocurred. They were first observed in the n orthern part of the coastal area and then spread to the south. Informa tion as to how avoid contact with the moth was the main prophylactic m easure. In highly infested buildings the effectiveness of residual ins ecticide procedure was used in the attempt to reduce the level of moth infestation. Satisfatory results were obtained with deltametrin appli ed in a dosage of 50 mg/m2 of wall.