Introduction.

Lepidopterism is defined as the set of conditions caused by human contact with various genera and species of the order Lepidoptera. The female of this species of butterfly posses hairs that contain toxins which upon contact with skin and mucous generate dermatitis and lessions in the ocular mucosa, oropharynx and upper respiratory tract therefore, it is necessary to develop better teaching strategies to minimize the impact on health.

Objective.

Characterization of local knowledge and practices for the prevention and control of lepidopterism by Hylesia metabus in the parish Yaguaraparo, northeastern Venezuela, was carried out.

Materials and Methods.

400 people were randomly selected and surveyed, responses were categorized using a scale of 0-4 points (4 for better knowledge/practice), the surveyed dimensions were: knowledge about H. metabus, lepidopterism, prevention and control of lepidopterism, and knowledge and practices as a whole. Descriptive statistics were applied, as well as ANOVA and Tukey test for multiple comparisons, considering sex, age group, education and occupation as intervening variables. Knowledge about H. metabus was good (x̅=2.61); on lepidopterism was moderate (x̅=1.65), prevention practices were good (x̅=2.52), also for control ( x̅=2.74). 97% declared lepidopterism experience; 71% used medical and home treatment and the remaining 29% used home and self-medication treatment. The better-known and used measure to avoid contact with the butterfly was turning off lights (50.2%). Insecticide application was the most frequent measure considered useful to remove butterflies from environment (68.2%). Against itching, actions included taking antihistaminic (30.7%) and home treatment (27.4%), being topic alcohol the most used (23.5%). Education and occupation had significant influence on given responses.

Conclusion.

Parish population showed good notions on lepidopterism, though not optimal, and their practices require improvement, in order to combine for a higher participation level to face the problem.

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