Epidemiology of centipede exposures reported to Texas poison control centers, 1998–2004

Abstract

Centipedes are found globally, including the southern United States. Although centipede bites may cause pain, the bite is generally not considered life threatening. The present retrospective investigation studied the epidemiology of centipede exposures reported to Texas poison control centers. Cases were all human exposures reported during 1998–2004 that involved centipedes. There were totally 851 cases. Among the cases with a known patient age, 16% were less than 6 years of age, 19% were 6–19, and 65% were greater than 19 years. Females accounted for 55% of the patients with known gender. The reported centipede exposures were managed on site (outside of a health care facility) in 93% of the cases. Of the 305 cases with a known clinical outcome, 82% had minor effects. Cases exhibited a seasonal trend, with most of the reports occurring during July–September. There was no clear geographic pattern to the reported centipede exposures, although the highest rate occurred in West Texas. Dermal irritation or pain was reported in 73% of cases and the treatment by decontamination via irrigation was reported for 76% of the cases during 2000–2004.

Keywords:

• Centipede bite
• serotonin
• Scolopendra heros

Acknowledgments

Funding for this research was provided by a contract with the Commission on State Emergency Communications in Texas. The author would like to thank the staff of the six poison control centers (Central Texas Poison Center, North Texas Poison Center, Texas Panhandle Poison Center, South Texas Poison Center, Southeast Texas Poison Center, and West Texas Regional Poison Center) of the TPCN for collecting the data.