Health Experts Warn Of Poisonous, Pain-Inflicting & Hairy Caterpillars Found In Virginia
2020 continues pumping out “WTFs” as health experts now warn of poisonous, pain-inflicting and (wig-looking) hairy caterpillars that are being found in Virginia. Previously, they’ve been spotted in Houston and Florida.
On its Facebook page, The Virginia Department of Forestry announced that its forest health team received reports of the puss caterpillar — one of the most venomous caterpillars in the U.S. — being spotted in a few eastern counties. It’s noted that “the ‘hairs’ of this caterpillar are actually venomous spines that cause a painful reaction if touched.”
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Experts warn that if a person were to get stung, they would experience “an immediate intense burning pain [similar to being stung by a bee, followed by] red grid-like pattern [across the skin].” Symptoms of contact may include: intense pain, rash, nausea and vomiting, fever, muscle cramps, swollen glands and shock. Experts add, “If you come into contact with a puss caterpillar, remove the broken-off spines by using cellophane tape or a commercial facial peel, and call your doctor.”
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