Resumen

GARCIA Z, Brenda; ALVARADO P, Gregorio  y  LOPEZ DE AGUILAR, Reina. Knowledge and practices about Hylesia metabus (Cramer, 1775) and lepidopterism in Capure, Delta Amacuro state - Venezuela (July-August 2005). Bol Mal Salud Amb [online]. 2009, vol.49, n.2, pp.293-301. ISSN 1690-4648.

The Hylesia metabus butterfly has scales and urticant hairs that cause dermatitis and allergic reactions known as lepidopterism, and on occasions it represents a severe social and public health problem. Since September 2004, Capure has been affected by cyclical invading of H. metabus, and to implement activities for prevention and control, an understanding about socio-cultural context of the population is required. This descriptive, exploratory and camp study tried to characterize knowledges and practices about H. metabus and lepidopterism in Capure, by the application of surveys to forty five (45) persons older than ten years old (41 creole people and 4 indigenous Warao people) and direct observation. About 88.8% (n=40) of those polled, described the butterfly’s biological cycle, with adequate knowledge about its behavior; 64.4% (n=29) named H. metabus as "furry butterfly", and the indigenous Warao identified it as "warowaro tijia" (butterfly that bites); 85% (n=38), indicated that the community can participate in control activities and described alternatives of participation. The prevelance of lepidopterism was 69.4% and those polled identified their symptoms as allergic reactions and dermatitis. The practices realized in lepidopterism were 57.7% (n=26) domestic treatments, 20.0% mixed treatments and 11.1% went to the hospital. The domestic treatments were topical uses, 44.7% (n=17) of vinegar, 15.7% (η=6) roll-on deodorant and 10.5% (n=4) gasoil. The Capure community has adequate knowledge about H. metabus disease and knows how to apply preventive control for lepidopterism. It is necessary to articulate a permanent surveillance and control program of lepidopterism and the Hylesia sp. butterfly with local emphasis and community participation.

Palabras clave : Hylesia metabus; Lepidoptera; Dermatitis; Allergic Reactions Knowledge; Community Participation; Delta Amacuro; Venezuela.