NAVMED P-5010, Manual of the Naval Preventive Medicine, Chapter 8

NAVMED P-5010 Manual of Preventive NAVMED P-5010 Manual of Preventive MedicineMedicine

Entomology and Pest ControlEntomology and Pest Control

A presentation by: A presentation by:


TopicsTopics

Organization for Medical Entomology Organization for Medical Entomology ProgramsPrograms

Pesticides and their ApplicationPesticides and their Application

Vector Control: Shipboard and AshoreVector Control: Shipboard and Ashore


Organization for Medical Organization for Medical Entomology ProgramsEntomology Programs

Vector - organisms which transmit disease to man, act Vector - organisms which transmit disease to man, act as intermediate hosts or reservoirs of disease, present as intermediate hosts or reservoirs of disease, present problems of sanitary or hygienic significance, or problems of sanitary or hygienic significance, or otherwise affect the health and efficiency of personnel.otherwise affect the health and efficiency of personnel.– Mosquitoes, biting flies, filth and flesh flies, lice, bed Mosquitoes, biting flies, filth and flesh flies, lice, bed

bugs, fleas, mites, ticks, rodents, bats, bugs, fleas, mites, ticks, rodents, bats, – Cockroaches, ants, wasps, spiders, scorpions, and Cockroaches, ants, wasps, spiders, scorpions, and

food infesting insects don’t normally carry disease but food infesting insects don’t normally carry disease but can affect sanitation or morale.can affect sanitation or morale.



Economic pests - organisms destructive to Economic pests - organisms destructive to structures, stored products, grounds, and structures, stored products, grounds, and other material properties.other material properties.



Policies for pest controlPolicies for pest control– DoD Directive 4150.7 provides basic DoD Directive 4150.7 provides basic

standards and policies governing the Navy’s standards and policies governing the Navy’s pest control programs. Establishes minimum pest control programs. Establishes minimum levels of pest control.levels of pest control.

– NAVMEDCOM Instruction 6250 series NAVMEDCOM Instruction 6250 series delegates the responsibility for supervising delegates the responsibility for supervising pest control operations afloat to the medical pest control operations afloat to the medical department.department.



Responsibilities of the Medical DepartmentResponsibilities of the Medical Department

– Inspections, recommendations, Inspections, recommendations, evaluations, etc ... They are responsible evaluations, etc ... They are responsible for every aspect of vector control and for every aspect of vector control and treatment.treatment.


Pesticides and Their Pesticides and Their ApplicationApplication

Definitions of Pesticides– A pesticide is any substance or mixture of

substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest, or any substance or mixture of substances intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant, or desiccant.

– Pesticides include: acaricides, avicides, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, molluscicides, nematocides, rodenticides, among others.



Pesticides may be classified on the basis of use, Pesticides may be classified on the basis of use, life stage of the pest to be controlled, chemical life stage of the pest to be controlled, chemical group, mode of entry, mode of action and group, mode of entry, mode of action and formulation.formulation.Pesticide type-by use:Pesticide type-by use:– Acaricide-a substance used to control mites, Acaricide-a substance used to control mites,

scorpions, spiders, ticks and related scorpions, spiders, ticks and related organisms.organisms.

– Fungicide—a substance used to control fungi.Fungicide—a substance used to control fungi.– Herbicide—a substance used to control Herbicide—a substance used to control

undesired vegetation.undesired vegetation.



Pesticide type-by use:Pesticide type-by use:– Insecticide—a substance used to control insects, Insecticide—a substance used to control insects,

sometimes used in a broader sense to include the sometimes used in a broader sense to include the control of arthropods other than insects. Classification control of arthropods other than insects. Classification of insecticides maybe subdivided on the basis of the of insecticides maybe subdivided on the basis of the life stage against which they are used:life stage against which they are used:

Adulticide—used to control the adult stage of an Adulticide—used to control the adult stage of an insect.insect.Larvicide-used to control the larval stage of an Larvicide-used to control the larval stage of an insect.insect.Ovicide—used against the egg stage of an insect.Ovicide—used against the egg stage of an insect.

– Molluscicide—used to control snails and other Molluscicide—used to control snails and other mollusks.mollusks.

– Rodenticide-used to control rodents.Rodenticide-used to control rodents.



Pesticide type-by chemical group:Pesticide type-by chemical group:– Inorganic pesticides are compounds of Inorganic pesticides are compounds of

mineral origin and mainly include arsenic, mineral origin and mainly include arsenic, copper, mercury, sulfur or zinc.copper, mercury, sulfur or zinc.

– Chlorinated hydrocarbons are a group of Chlorinated hydrocarbons are a group of synthetic organic compounds with one or synthetic organic compounds with one or more chlorine atoms. Chlordane, dieldrin, and more chlorine atoms. Chlordane, dieldrin, and DDT are examples.DDT are examples.

– Organophosphates are synthetic compounds Organophosphates are synthetic compounds containing phosphorous. Some of the more containing phosphorous. Some of the more common examples in this group are diazinon, common examples in this group are diazinon, dichlorvos, and malathion.dichlorvos, and malathion.



Pesticide type-by chemical group: Pesticide type-by chemical group: – Carbamates are synthetic compounds of salts Carbamates are synthetic compounds of salts

or esters of carbamic acid. Carbaryl and or esters of carbamic acid. Carbaryl and propoxur are examples.propoxur are examples.

– Botanical are pesticides of plant origin. Botanical are pesticides of plant origin. Pyrethrums and rotenone are examples. Pyrethrums and rotenone are examples. Synthetic pyrethroids, such as resmethrin, are Synthetic pyrethroids, such as resmethrin, are similar in action to pyrethrum. D-phenothrin is similar in action to pyrethrum. D-phenothrin is another example.another example.



Pesticide type-by mode of entry:Pesticide type-by mode of entry:– Fumigants are chemicals that enter in the Fumigants are chemicals that enter in the

gaseous or vapor form via the respiratory gaseous or vapor form via the respiratory system and/or through body surfaces.system and/or through body surfaces.

– Stomach poisons are materials which kill Stomach poisons are materials which kill following ingestion. Application may be following ingestion. Application may be directly to the pest’s natural food, mixed with directly to the pest’s natural food, mixed with baits, or sprinkled in runways so pests will baits, or sprinkled in runways so pests will take the compound into the mouth when take the compound into the mouth when cleaning contaminated appendages.cleaning contaminated appendages.



Pesticide type-by mode of entry:Pesticide type-by mode of entry:– Contact poison enter through the insect’s Contact poison enter through the insect’s

body wall or respiratory centers and/or other body wall or respiratory centers and/or other tissues. They include residual surface sprays tissues. They include residual surface sprays that kill pest coming in contact with the treated that kill pest coming in contact with the treated area and aerosols or space sprays that kill area and aerosols or space sprays that kill after contact with the body surface. Contact after contact with the body surface. Contact poisons may also act as a stomach poison if poisons may also act as a stomach poison if ingested.ingested.



Pesticide type—by mode of action:Pesticide type—by mode of action:– Biological—a pesticide formulation containing Biological—a pesticide formulation containing

parasitic microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, parasitic microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoans, nematodes, or their products that fungi, protozoans, nematodes, or their products that control the pest.control the pest.

– Desiccants are absorptive dusts which scratch, Desiccants are absorptive dusts which scratch, absorb, or abrade the waxy surface of the absorb, or abrade the waxy surface of the exoskeleton causing death by dehydration. Silica gels exoskeleton causing death by dehydration. Silica gels are examples.are examples.

– Preservatives are normally poisonous substances Preservatives are normally poisonous substances applied to materials such as wood to protect from applied to materials such as wood to protect from destructive pests.destructive pests.

– Repellents are compounds which actively repel pests Repellents are compounds which actively repel pests and, thus, deter attack.and, thus, deter attack.



Pesticide type—by mode of action:– Chemosterilants are substances that chemically

sterilize pests, thus, reducing reproductive potential.– Soil sterilants are normally thought of as a herbicide

treatment to control unwanted vegetation in a given area for 6 months or more.

– Systemics are compounds absorbed by and translocated throughout the host plant or animal to kill parasites sucking juice or body fluids, respectively. Herbicides may be systemic and kill the treated plant (root and aerial).

– Growth regulators are synthetic hormone-like compounds that prevent normal growth of and/or maturity of the target plant or animal species.


Vector Control: Shipboard Vector Control: Shipboard and Ashoreand Ashore

Flies– Relation to man. The importance of many fly

species to man is their capability of transmitting human and zoonotic diseases which may seriously hamper military operations. In addition to the health aspect, virtually all fly species can be annoying pests of man.



FliesFlies– House flies are the most important and House flies are the most important and

widely distributed insect of importance to widely distributed insect of importance to mankindmankind

Capable of transmitting disease-producing Capable of transmitting disease-producing organisms via its vomitus and excrement, organisms via its vomitus and excrement, and on its contaminated feet, body hairs and on its contaminated feet, body hairs and mouthparts. and mouthparts.

Can cause cholera, dysentery, and typhoid Can cause cholera, dysentery, and typhoid fever.fever.



FliesFlies– Blow fliesBlow flies

Carry many of the same organisms as house flies, but they Carry many of the same organisms as house flies, but they do not present the same public health problem since they do not present the same public health problem since they rarely enter dwellings.rarely enter dwellings.Their larvae sometimes develop in wounds or natural body Their larvae sometimes develop in wounds or natural body openings causing a condition known as myiasis. openings causing a condition known as myiasis.

– Flesh fliesFlesh fliesDistinguished from other domestic flies by the presence of Distinguished from other domestic flies by the presence of three longitudinal black stripes on the thorax and a three longitudinal black stripes on the thorax and a checkered effect on the usually red-tipped abdomen.checkered effect on the usually red-tipped abdomen.They often are very abundant, but they do not ordinarily They often are very abundant, but they do not ordinarily enter habitations. They do not appear to be of importance to enter habitations. They do not appear to be of importance to man from the standpoint of mechanical disease man from the standpoint of mechanical disease transmission.transmission.



Flies Flies – Stable flyStable fly

A blood-sucking fly and is suspected of transmitting anthrax A blood-sucking fly and is suspected of transmitting anthrax and tularemia.and tularemia.It is distinguished from other domestic flies by its piercing It is distinguished from other domestic flies by its piercing proboscis which protrudes bayonetlike in front of the head.proboscis which protrudes bayonetlike in front of the head.

– Sand fliesSand fliesTransmit tropical and subtropical diseases: bacterial Transmit tropical and subtropical diseases: bacterial (bartonella), viral (sand fly or pappataci fever) and protozoal (bartonella), viral (sand fly or pappataci fever) and protozoal (Leishmania spp., kala-azar, oriental sore and American (Leishmania spp., kala-azar, oriental sore and American mucocutaneous leishmaniasis)mucocutaneous leishmaniasis)

– Punkies, biting midgesPunkies, biting midgesMinute blood-sucking flies which cause extreme annoyance Minute blood-sucking flies which cause extreme annoyance to man in many parts of the world.to man in many parts of the world.



Flies Flies – Tsetse fliesTsetse flies

Blood-sucking and of considerable importance Blood-sucking and of considerable importance because they transmit the protozoan trypanosomes because they transmit the protozoan trypanosomes which cause human African sleeping sickness.which cause human African sleeping sickness.They fold their wings scissor-like above the They fold their wings scissor-like above the abdomen when resting, the characteristic distal cell abdomen when resting, the characteristic distal cell (cleaver shaped) in the wing, and the prominent (cleaver shaped) in the wing, and the prominent biting mouthparts.biting mouthparts.

– Black fliesBlack fliesSmall blood-sucking insects which are important as Small blood-sucking insects which are important as pests in areas of running streams pests in areas of running streams Vectors of filarial parasites and the protozoan blood Vectors of filarial parasites and the protozoan blood parasite. parasite.



FliesFlies– Horse and deer fliesHorse and deer flies

Blood-sucking insect pests which attack both man Blood-sucking insect pests which attack both man and animals. and animals. Known to vector bacterial (anthrax and tularemia), Known to vector bacterial (anthrax and tularemia), protozoan (trypanosomes) and helminthic (Loa loa) protozoan (trypanosomes) and helminthic (Loa loa) infections to man and/or animals.infections to man and/or animals.They also transmit tularemia. They also transmit tularemia.

– Eye gnats Eye gnats Nonbiting flies which are attracted to wounds, pus, Nonbiting flies which are attracted to wounds, pus, and secretions around the eyes and nose. They and secretions around the eyes and nose. They mechanically transmit the organism which causes mechanically transmit the organism which causes acute infectious conjunctivitis (pink eye).acute infectious conjunctivitis (pink eye).



MosquitoesMosquitoes– Mosquitoes rank first in importance among the insects Mosquitoes rank first in importance among the insects

that transmit disease to man.that transmit disease to man.– The genera most frequently associated with disease The genera most frequently associated with disease

transmission are Aedes, Anopheles and Culextransmission are Aedes, Anopheles and Culex– Disease organisms vectored by mosquitoes to man Disease organisms vectored by mosquitoes to man

include bacteria (tularemia), arboviruses (dengue, include bacteria (tularemia), arboviruses (dengue, encephalomyelitis (Eastern, Western, St. Louis, encephalomyelitis (Eastern, Western, St. Louis, Japanese B, and Russian Spring-Summer and yellow Japanese B, and Russian Spring-Summer and yellow fever), protozoa (malaria), and filarial nematodes fever), protozoa (malaria), and filarial nematodes (Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia spp., and Dirofilaria (Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia spp., and Dirofilaria immitis).immitis).



LiceLice– The infestation of lice on a human host is The infestation of lice on a human host is

termed pediculosis. termed pediculosis. – Human lice are responsible for the Human lice are responsible for the

transmission of louse-borne typhus, trench transmission of louse-borne typhus, trench fever and louse-borne relapsing fever. fever and louse-borne relapsing fever.

– Louse-borne typhus, a historical medical Louse-borne typhus, a historical medical problem, is one of the few serious insect problem, is one of the few serious insect transmitted diseases in which man serves as transmitted diseases in which man serves as the infection reservoir.the infection reservoir.



Lice– Three species of lice infest man: the head louse,

Pediculus humanus capitus, the body louse, Pediculus humanus humanus and the crab louse, Pthirus pubis.

– The body louse, P. h. humanus, and the head louse P. h. capitus are quite similar, differing principally in the part of the body normally occupied.

The body louse is found upon the body, spending much of its time attached to the undergarments. The head louse is found upon the head and the neck, clinging to the hairs.



Lice– The crab louse is primarily found upon hair in

the pubic and anal regions, but on occasion may be found in the eyebrows and other areas of the body.

– Crab lice are spread mainly by physical contact, but also maybe acquired from toilet seats or objects recently used by infested individuals.



Bedbugs– Not known to vector human diseases, but are

annoying and can seriously affect morale. – Approximately 6 mm (1/5 in) in length, flat, reddish-

brown and wingless insects with sucking mouthparts. – Nocturnal movement and only feed on blood. – Their bite usually produces small, hard, white

swellings (wheals). – Habitual hiding places of bedbugs, such as in the

seams of mattresses, will often be obvious by the presence of dried black or brown excrement stains on surfaces where they congregate and rest. Their presence may also be indicated by blood stains on the bedding.



CockroachesCockroaches– The most common and persistently The most common and persistently

troublesome arthropod pest encountered troublesome arthropod pest encountered indoors. They are indoors. They are

– Among the most adaptable insects known.Among the most adaptable insects known.– Never been demonstrated that cockroaches Never been demonstrated that cockroaches

directly vector pathogenic organisms. But directly vector pathogenic organisms. But significant circumstantial evidence indicates significant circumstantial evidence indicates that cockroaches maintain and disseminate that cockroaches maintain and disseminate pathogens.pathogens.



CockroachesCockroaches– Considerations concerning cockroach infestations include the Considerations concerning cockroach infestations include the

following:following:They are considered an indication of substandard sanitation They are considered an indication of substandard sanitation by most people.by most people.They often cause anxiety and repulsion and may lead to They often cause anxiety and repulsion and may lead to entomophobia (fear of insects) which is of special entomophobia (fear of insects) which is of special consideration in regard to hospital patients’ comfort and consideration in regard to hospital patients’ comfort and recovery.recovery.Cockroaches habitually disgorge portions of partly digested Cockroaches habitually disgorge portions of partly digested food and defecate wherever they go. They also discharge a food and defecate wherever they go. They also discharge a nauseous secretion from oral and abdominal glands which nauseous secretion from oral and abdominal glands which leaves a persistent and typical “cockroach odor” on all leaves a persistent and typical “cockroach odor” on all surfaces contacted.surfaces contacted.Cockroaches defile, contaminate or damage food, linens, Cockroaches defile, contaminate or damage food, linens, books, utensils and other supplies and equipment.books, utensils and other supplies and equipment.



Cockroaches Cockroaches

– German cockroach is the most common German cockroach is the most common indoor species, especially in and around indoor species, especially in and around food service spaces and facilities.food service spaces and facilities.



Stored Products PestsStored Products Pests– Stored products pests include more than 100 different Stored products pests include more than 100 different

species of insects, most of which are moths and species of insects, most of which are moths and beetles. beetles.

– Infest a wide variety of subsistence supplies including Infest a wide variety of subsistence supplies including cereals, flour, farina, grits, candy, pet food, and any cereals, flour, farina, grits, candy, pet food, and any other non-canned food plus various animal fiber other non-canned food plus various animal fiber items, e.g., blankets, uniforms and boots. items, e.g., blankets, uniforms and boots.

– Stored product pests are usually either rodents or Stored product pests are usually either rodents or insects. These stored products insects (SPI) include insects. These stored products insects (SPI) include the saw-toothed grain beetle, flour beetles, the saw-toothed grain beetle, flour beetles, warehouse beetle (Trogoderma), Indian Meal moth warehouse beetle (Trogoderma), Indian Meal moth and many others.and many others.



Stored Products PestsStored Products Pests– Render the product unfit for human consumption 1 to Render the product unfit for human consumption 1 to

7 insects per pound depending upon the species. 7 insects per pound depending upon the species.

Food items at highest risk include farina, grits, pet Food items at highest risk include farina, grits, pet food, and any food that has been packed for at food, and any food that has been packed for at least 6 months.least 6 months.

Once a product is infested but still consumable, Once a product is infested but still consumable, freezing it for two weeks will kill most, if not all, of freezing it for two weeks will kill most, if not all, of the insects.the insects.



MitesMites– Based upon their habitats, mites of medical Based upon their habitats, mites of medical

importance may be classified into four groups:importance may be classified into four groups:Nest-inhabiting mites parasitic on birds and Nest-inhabiting mites parasitic on birds and rodents, and which occasionally bite manrodents, and which occasionally bite manMites parasitic on animals and which Mites parasitic on animals and which occasionally bite manoccasionally bite manMites parasitic on manMites parasitic on manFood-infesting mites which occasionally Food-infesting mites which occasionally bite manbite man



Mites– Nest inhabiting mites. All of these mites live

within the nests of birds and rodents and only bite man when deprived of their normal hosts. Medically, the house mouse mite is the most important member of this group, since it vectors rickettsial pox from mouse to man.



Mites– Mites parasitic on birds and rodents. These

mites are parasitic on rodents, birds and reptiles, and the larvae may occasionally bite man. The term “chigger” is applied to the larvae of certain species of this group. Many of these species cause dermatitis to man, and a few transmit scrub typhus (Tsutsugamushi disease), a severe and debilitating rickettsial disease of man endemic to some land areas of the Far East.



Mites– Mites parasitic on man. This group includes the well

known scabies or itch mite. The scabies mite is transmitted through close body contact and may appear wherever social conditions cause excessive crowding of people. This mite burrows in the horny layer of the dermis, causing an intense itching, especially at night, and occasionally erythema.

Control consists of treating infested individuals with a 1.O% gamma isomer of BHC (Lindane) and heat sterilization of clothing and bedding.



MitesMites– Food-infesting mites. Many species of mites infest dry Food-infesting mites. Many species of mites infest dry

foods (e.g. bread, cheese, cereals and smoked foods (e.g. bread, cheese, cereals and smoked meats). Some of them can also cause a contact meats). Some of them can also cause a contact dermatitis to workers handling infested materials. dermatitis to workers handling infested materials. These mites also have been associated with These mites also have been associated with respiratory complications (e.g. asthma exacerbation respiratory complications (e.g. asthma exacerbation or bronchial inflammation) when they or their by-or bronchial inflammation) when they or their by-product antigens are inhaled. There are also reports product antigens are inhaled. There are also reports of urinary tract infestations that cause irritation, of urinary tract infestations that cause irritation, urethral stricture, and a predisposition to secondary urethral stricture, and a predisposition to secondary infection. Ingestion of mite infested food may lead to infection. Ingestion of mite infested food may lead to gastrointestinal disturbances.gastrointestinal disturbances.



TicksTicks– Annoying pests because of their bite and their ability Annoying pests because of their bite and their ability

to precipitate tick paralysis, but their greatest to precipitate tick paralysis, but their greatest importance is related to the diseases they are known importance is related to the diseases they are known to transmit to man and animals.to transmit to man and animals.

– Some of the organisms causing disease include Some of the organisms causing disease include bacteria (tularemia, Q fever and endemic relapsing bacteria (tularemia, Q fever and endemic relapsing fever), rickettsia (Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme fever), rickettsia (Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease and tick borne typhus), viruses (Colorado tick disease and tick borne typhus), viruses (Colorado tick fever, Russian Spring-Summer encephalomyelitis and fever, Russian Spring-Summer encephalomyelitis and Louping ill) and protozoa (babesiosis and Louping ill) and protozoa (babesiosis and anaplasmosis).anaplasmosis).



Ticks– The best method for removing attached ticks is to

grasp them with forceps and pull them slow and steady. Do not twist!

– Care should be taken not to crush the tick or to break off the embedded mouthparts which could be a source of infection.

– The wound should be treated with an antiseptic. – Where hair is not involved, the use of tape is an

effective means for removing tick larvae and nymphs from the skin.



FleasFleas– Fleas have been implicated in the transmission of Fleas have been implicated in the transmission of

diseases. diseases. – The oriental rat flea, Xenopsylla cheopis, is of great The oriental rat flea, Xenopsylla cheopis, is of great

importance in the transmission of the plague bacillus importance in the transmission of the plague bacillus which alone is sufficient to rank fleas among the more which alone is sufficient to rank fleas among the more important insect vectors. important insect vectors.

– Other genera of fleas transmit endemic or murine Other genera of fleas transmit endemic or murine typhus and may act as the intermediate hosts for typhus and may act as the intermediate hosts for some parasitic worms. some parasitic worms.

– Gravid females of the “chigoe” or burrowing flea, Gravid females of the “chigoe” or burrowing flea, Tunga penetrans, penetrate the skin to complete their Tunga penetrans, penetrate the skin to complete their development, causing ulcerating lesions on the feet of development, causing ulcerating lesions on the feet of man and of animals.man and of animals.



Reduviid BugsReduviid Bugs– Reduviid or cone-nose bugs of several genera, Reduviid or cone-nose bugs of several genera,

Panstrongylus, Rhodnius and Triatoma, are important Panstrongylus, Rhodnius and Triatoma, are important to man as vectors of the protozoan parasite, to man as vectors of the protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas’ disease or Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas’ disease or American Trypanosomiasis. American Trypanosomiasis.

– The infected insect bites man, defecates during The infected insect bites man, defecates during feeding or soon afterward, and the infected feces is feeding or soon afterward, and the infected feces is introduced into the bite by scratching or rubbing. introduced into the bite by scratching or rubbing.

– Infection can also take place through contamination of Infection can also take place through contamination of the conjunctival, mucous membranes, wounds or the conjunctival, mucous membranes, wounds or scratches.scratches.



RodentsRodents– Rodents such as rats, mice and ground squirrels may Rodents such as rats, mice and ground squirrels may

serve as reservoirs for plague, endemic typhus, serve as reservoirs for plague, endemic typhus, tularemia and other debilitating diseases. tularemia and other debilitating diseases.

– The problem of contamination of supplies and direct The problem of contamination of supplies and direct property damage by rodents may also be considered. property damage by rodents may also be considered.

– The semi-wild forms, which live in the jungles, forests The semi-wild forms, which live in the jungles, forests and wastelands, have little or no contact with man and wastelands, have little or no contact with man and are relatively unimportant in rodent control. and are relatively unimportant in rodent control. However, military operations and occupation may However, military operations and occupation may change this situation. change this situation.



RodentsRodents– The most important rodents from the medical and economical The most important rodents from the medical and economical

viewpoint are:viewpoint are:Norway rat. The Norway, brown or gray rat, Rattus Norway rat. The Norway, brown or gray rat, Rattus norvegicus, is a comparatively large animal, weighing norvegicus, is a comparatively large animal, weighing approximately 280-480 gm (10–17 oz), with a tail that does approximately 280-480 gm (10–17 oz), with a tail that does not exceed the combined length of head and body. This rat is not exceed the combined length of head and body. This rat is present wherever human activity creates suitable harborages present wherever human activity creates suitable harborages and there is an adequate food supply. It prefers to burrow for and there is an adequate food supply. It prefers to burrow for nesting and is mainly found in basements, embankments, on nesting and is mainly found in basements, embankments, on lower floors of buildings, in drains and sewer lines and in the lower floors of buildings, in drains and sewer lines and in the holds and decks of ships. Preferred foods include meat, fish holds and decks of ships. Preferred foods include meat, fish or flesh mixed with a diet of grains, vegetables and fruit. In or flesh mixed with a diet of grains, vegetables and fruit. In the absence of these, any foodstuffs may be eaten.the absence of these, any foodstuffs may be eaten.



RodentsRodents– The most important rodents from the medical and economical The most important rodents from the medical and economical

viewpoint are:viewpoint are:Roof rat. The gray bellied, Alexandria or roof rat, Rattus Roof rat. The gray bellied, Alexandria or roof rat, Rattus rattus alexandrines, is a good climber and may be found rattus alexandrines, is a good climber and may be found living in trees, vines, building lofts, overhead wiring and living in trees, vines, building lofts, overhead wiring and upper decks of ships. The body is generally elongated, the upper decks of ships. The body is generally elongated, the ears are long and the tail exceeds the combined length of the ears are long and the tail exceeds the combined length of the head and body. There are many color and body type head and body. There are many color and body type variations. The black or ship rat, Rattus rattus rattus, a variations. The black or ship rat, Rattus rattus rattus, a subspecies variant of the roof rat, R. r. alexandrines, is an subspecies variant of the roof rat, R. r. alexandrines, is an excellent climber and is frequently found on ships. These excellent climber and is frequently found on ships. These rats prefer seeds, cereals, vegetables, fruit and grass, but rats prefer seeds, cereals, vegetables, fruit and grass, but may subsist on leather goods, chocolate and even weaker may subsist on leather goods, chocolate and even weaker members of its own kind.members of its own kind.



RodentsRodents– The most important rodents from the medical and The most important rodents from the medical and

economical viewpoint are:economical viewpoint are:

House mouse. The house mouse, Mus musculus, House mouse. The house mouse, Mus musculus, is commonly associated with man and may cause is commonly associated with man and may cause serious damage to foodstuffs and other valuable serious damage to foodstuffs and other valuable materials.materials.

Various species of field mice may on occasion Various species of field mice may on occasion enter habitations in search of food and shelter, but enter habitations in search of food and shelter, but they do not present a major problem.they do not present a major problem.



Rodents– Control and prevention of rodents ashore. Rodent

control programs should include elimination of food and shelter, rodent proofing of structures, and use of single dose anticoagulant bait stations, glue boards and snap traps.

Preferred trap baits vary with the area and species of rodent involved, and include bacon rind, nuts, fresh coconut, peanut butter, raw vegetables, and bread or oatmeal dipped in bacon grease.

– Utilization of rat guards. Rat guards should be a minimum of 36 in diameter and mounted at least 6 feet from the closest point on shore or 2ft from ship.



Common Venomous ArthropodsCommon Venomous Arthropods– Clinical manifestations associated with Clinical manifestations associated with

envenomization include anaphylactic shock, envenomization include anaphylactic shock, hemolysis, necrosis, paralysis, cardiopulmonary hemolysis, necrosis, paralysis, cardiopulmonary dysfunction, allergenic asthma, and antigen induced dysfunction, allergenic asthma, and antigen induced dermatologic manifestations.dermatologic manifestations.

– Venoms produced by arthropods are mixtures of four Venoms produced by arthropods are mixtures of four toxic types: Vesicating (blister beetles), neurotoxic toxic types: Vesicating (blister beetles), neurotoxic (black widow spiders), cytolytic (brown recluse (black widow spiders), cytolytic (brown recluse spider), and hemolytic (horse flies).spider), and hemolytic (horse flies).



Common Venomous ArthropodsCommon Venomous Arthropods– Venomous arthropods of importanceVenomous arthropods of importance

Centipedes are fast moving, dorsoventrally flat, elongate Centipedes are fast moving, dorsoventrally flat, elongate arthropods having one pair of legs per body segment. arthropods having one pair of legs per body segment.

– All centipedes contain venom producing glands that are All centipedes contain venom producing glands that are connected by tubes to claws, that are modified connected by tubes to claws, that are modified appendages on the first body segment. appendages on the first body segment.

– The potential for these arthropods to inflict injury on man The potential for these arthropods to inflict injury on man is contingent on the size of the claw and its ability to is contingent on the size of the claw and its ability to penetrate the skin. Injected venom causes a penetrate the skin. Injected venom causes a considerable amount of pain, but rarely death. considerable amount of pain, but rarely death.

– When death occurs, it is believed to be a result of an When death occurs, it is believed to be a result of an anaphylactic reaction. The wound should be disinfected anaphylactic reaction. The wound should be disinfected and a medical officer consulted.and a medical officer consulted.



Common Venomous ArthropodsCommon Venomous Arthropods– Millipedes are slow moving, rounded, elongated Millipedes are slow moving, rounded, elongated

arthropods with two pairs of legs per body segment. arthropods with two pairs of legs per body segment.

Many millipedes exude a vesicating fluid and may Many millipedes exude a vesicating fluid and may cause injury to persons handling them. cause injury to persons handling them.

Some are capable of squirting vesicating venom Some are capable of squirting vesicating venom some distance and may cause severe injury to the some distance and may cause severe injury to the eyes as well as the skin.eyes as well as the skin.



Common Venomous ArthropodsCommon Venomous Arthropods– Scorpions are venomous arachnids that rarely sting man, and Scorpions are venomous arachnids that rarely sting man, and

then, only when provoked. then, only when provoked. Few species are deadly, all stings should be considered Few species are deadly, all stings should be considered dangerous because of the hemolytic and neurotoxic venom dangerous because of the hemolytic and neurotoxic venom properties. properties. The signs and symptoms associated with these stings vary The signs and symptoms associated with these stings vary with species and may include tachypnea, tachycardia, with species and may include tachypnea, tachycardia, nausea, glycosuria, epigastric pain and tenderness, nausea, glycosuria, epigastric pain and tenderness, excessive salivation, slurred speech, tissue discoloration and excessive salivation, slurred speech, tissue discoloration and necrosis. necrosis. The ground scorpions have a predominantly hemolytic toxin The ground scorpions have a predominantly hemolytic toxin which is generally associated with swelling and except in the which is generally associated with swelling and except in the young, old or debilitated, death is uncommon. young, old or debilitated, death is uncommon. The venom of bark scorpions has a neurotoxin that does not The venom of bark scorpions has a neurotoxin that does not cause swelling and is often associated with death.cause swelling and is often associated with death.



Common Venomous ArthropodsCommon Venomous Arthropods– Spiders are venomous arachnids and in most cases are Spiders are venomous arachnids and in most cases are

considered to be beneficial because they feed on other considered to be beneficial because they feed on other arthropods. arthropods.

Bites of black or brown widow spiders (Latrodectus mactans Bites of black or brown widow spiders (Latrodectus mactans and Latrodectus geometricus respectively), and the brown and Latrodectus geometricus respectively), and the brown recluse spider, Loxosceles reclusa, are serious and of recluse spider, Loxosceles reclusa, are serious and of considerable medical importance. considerable medical importance. The venom of the Latrodectus spp. Is strongly neurotoxic, The venom of the Latrodectus spp. Is strongly neurotoxic, causing severe symptoms of extreme pain, abdominal causing severe symptoms of extreme pain, abdominal cramping, profuse perspiration, respiratory duress, and cramping, profuse perspiration, respiratory duress, and speech inhibition. Only 5% of untreated cases are fatal. speech inhibition. Only 5% of untreated cases are fatal. The venom of L. reclusa is strongly hemolytic and vesicating, The venom of L. reclusa is strongly hemolytic and vesicating, causing progressive tissue necrosis.causing progressive tissue necrosis.



– Blister beetle. Blister beetle. When these beetles are touched, they exude a When these beetles are touched, they exude a drop of vesicating fluid through the membranes of drop of vesicating fluid through the membranes of the appendage joints. the appendage joints. The active ingredient of this fluid is cantharidin. The active ingredient of this fluid is cantharidin. Upon dermal contact, this fluid causes formation of Upon dermal contact, this fluid causes formation of serious blisters which eventually break, the serious blisters which eventually break, the released fluids causing satellite blisters. released fluids causing satellite blisters. Bacterial secondary infection is common. Bacterial secondary infection is common. Medical attention for affected individuals is Medical attention for affected individuals is considered important.considered important.



– Hymenopterous insects. Member species of bees, wasps, yellow Hymenopterous insects. Member species of bees, wasps, yellow jackets, hornets and ants are high in number and are the most jackets, hornets and ants are high in number and are the most common sources of serious envenomization.common sources of serious envenomization.

Although the composition of hymenopteran venoms vary, Although the composition of hymenopteran venoms vary, most of them have a predominantly hemolytic factor most of them have a predominantly hemolytic factor associated with a smaller fraction of neurotoxin. associated with a smaller fraction of neurotoxin. Reactions between individuals exposed to a specific venom Reactions between individuals exposed to a specific venom may vary considerably. A bee sting may cause no effect or it may vary considerably. A bee sting may cause no effect or it may precipitate death. may precipitate death. A serious manifestation of hymenopteran hypersensitivity is A serious manifestation of hymenopteran hypersensitivity is anaphylactic shock occasionally accompanied by anaphylactic shock occasionally accompanied by regurgitation, encopresis, enuresis, rapid decrease in blood regurgitation, encopresis, enuresis, rapid decrease in blood pressure, atypically slow pulse, prostration, debilitation and pressure, atypically slow pulse, prostration, debilitation and possibly death.possibly death.



Treatment of Envenomization. Treatment of Envenomization. – If little or no swelling or discoloration occur at the site If little or no swelling or discoloration occur at the site

of envenomization, the venom is probably neurotoxic. of envenomization, the venom is probably neurotoxic. Apply ice to the site or, if possible immerse the Apply ice to the site or, if possible immerse the affected part of the body in ice water. affected part of the body in ice water.

Neurotoxic envenomization is treated with specific Neurotoxic envenomization is treated with specific antivenoms or with intravenously injected antivenoms or with intravenously injected gluconate, epinephrine or adrenaline. gluconate, epinephrine or adrenaline.

– Cytolytic envenomization often requires prolonged Cytolytic envenomization often requires prolonged symptomatic treatment. symptomatic treatment.

– Hemorrhagic envenomization, when severe, is treated Hemorrhagic envenomization, when severe, is treated with vitamin K. with vitamin K.



Treatment of Envenomization.Treatment of Envenomization.– Urtication is treated by washing the skin with a Urtication is treated by washing the skin with a

bactericidal soap and a course cloth to remove any bactericidal soap and a course cloth to remove any remaining hairs. Administer antihistamines. remaining hairs. Administer antihistamines.

– Vesicating envenomization is treated by draining the Vesicating envenomization is treated by draining the blisters with a sterile hypodermic needle, followed by blisters with a sterile hypodermic needle, followed by application of magnesium sulfate compresses, and application of magnesium sulfate compresses, and careful disinfection of the blisters to prevent careful disinfection of the blisters to prevent secondary infection. secondary infection.

– Anaphylactic shock is treated by use of a tourniquet Anaphylactic shock is treated by use of a tourniquet and subcutaneous injections of epinephrine. Allergic and subcutaneous injections of epinephrine. Allergic reactions are treated symptomatically with reactions are treated symptomatically with antihistaminic, adrenergic, spasmolytic and antihistaminic, adrenergic, spasmolytic and anticholinergic drugs.anticholinergic drugs.


Any questions?Any questions?

NAVMED P-5010, Manual of the Naval Preventive Medicine, Chapter 8

Education

sterile hypodermic

magnesium

acute infectious

urinary tract

preventive

ashoreand

typical cockroach

rattus rattus