The doctor told about the signs and symptoms of tomcat toxin damage

In Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, small tomcat beetles are now active, which are dangerous when in contact with human skin or mucous membranes. On February 9, Elena Sycheva, an allergist, immunologist, rheumatologist and general practitioner at the National Research Medical Center NCC Nº2 of the Federal State Budgetary Budgetary Institution, told Izvestia about this.

The doctor noted that the beetle does not bite or sting, and contact with its hemolymph, an analog of blood containing the potent toxin pederin, poses a danger to humans. It is released when an insect is accidentally crushed, smeared on the skin, or if the beetle leaves traces on towels and clothes.

According to the expert, tomcats look like an ant with an elongated black and orange body about 1 cm long. Insects are active at dusk and at night and are strongly attracted to artificial light, which is why they can enter residential areas, including the upper floors of hotels.

"The lesion is toxic contact dermatitis, not a true allergic reaction. However, in people with allergies or sensitive skin, the reaction may be more pronounced," Sycheva said.

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But the pace began to decrease, Rospotrebnadzor said.

The doctor explained that in case of contact with the toxin, it is necessary to immediately thoroughly rinse the skin with cool water and soap, do not rub the affected area and apply a cold compress. She also recommended that you urgently consult a doctor if the toxin gets into your eyes, there are signs of infection, extensive blisters or ulcers on the skin, systemic symptoms such as fever, headache or nausea, or if the condition does not improve within 2-3 days.

The key difference between tomcat lesions and bites from other insects is the "linear" or "stripe—like" arrangement of the rashes, often in the form of a line or spot with blisters, as from a burn. A doctor of differential diagnosis helps to distinguish between mosquito bites, burns by plants or shingles.

For prevention, Sycheva recommends using mosquito nets on windows and doors, checking the bed before going to bed, not crushing bugs with your bare hands, shaking clothes and towels, avoiding bright light near open windows at night, and washing your skin thoroughly if contact is suspected.

"In the vast majority of cases, with timely rinsing and proper care, the effects of contact pass without serious complications. But in case of eye damage or signs of infection, it is necessary to consult a doctor," the expert concluded.

On January 27, the World Health Organization (WHO) indicated a low risk of further spread of the Nipah virus, but stressed that due to insufficient knowledge of the virus, there is a possibility of other outbreaks. WHO spokesman Tarik Zhazarevich said that Nipah has a mortality rate of 40 to 75%, depending on the strain of the virus and the level of medical care.

To prevent infection, the organization recommends boiling date palm juice, thoroughly washing and peeling fruits before use, and discarding fruits with signs of bat bites.

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