Acute dermatitis from oak processionary caterpillars in a US military community in Germany

One hundred sixty-five soldiers and civilians from the U.S. military commun ity in Heidelberg, Germany, sought treatment for acute dermatitis from June 26 through July 2, 1995. This was 144 more than the expected number of 21 cases based on a background rate of 3 cases per day. Cases consisted of ind ividuals who presented with a painful, itching rash distributed widely abou t the body but concentrated in the upper half. Urticarial hairs from oak pr ocessionary caterpillars (Thaumetopoea processionea L.) (Lepidoptera:Thaume topoeidae) were eventually identified as the cause. This article is the fir st published report that documents the military medical importance of these caterpillars in Europe. The implications and measures needed to resolve fu ture outbreaks quickly and effectively are discussed.