Caterpillars causing itching allergy along Nullah Leh

Rawalpindi

The residents of Usmanpura, Ittehad Colony, DAV College Road, Gawalmandi, Mohanpura and Arjun Nagar have been facing itching allergy due to sudden appearance of caterpillars in big numbers in these areas. The insects move at snail pace, but leave burning effects like itching on the whole body.

Hundreds of small size caterpillars are seen freely moving in every corner of the houses even bed rooms, kitchens, and are a source of fear and panic among the children especially as they touch them and get infected.

Number of skin allergy patients mainly children rising up in all the aforesaid areas for some days.

For the first time this type of caterpillars appeared in such a big number in these localities settled along Nullah Leh.

The affected residents are continuously adopting preventive measures by spreading different kinds of insecticides. Some of the affected people said that caterpillars were coming from Nullah Leh or garbage dumping site.

Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) leader Shakil Awan has also admitted that small caterpillars have surfaced in some localities and are spreading itching among the residents especially children. I have directed for spray in affected areas to avoid any serious issue, he claimed.

Shakir Hussain, a residents of Usmanpura told ‘The News’ that despite killing and using insecticides they are increasing which is an alarming situation for us, he said.

District Officer (DO) Health Dr Sohail consoled the public and directed the staff to start spray in affected localities. He said that some kinds of ‘sundis’ appeared in monsoon. Public should not be afraid of them, he advised.

He advised the people not to keep the windows or doors of rooms opened to avoid caterpillars.

Aijaz-ul-Kabeer, a resident of Usmanpura said, “we are facing worst kind of itching problem because of these caterpillars which appeared first time in a large number. The number of caterpillars is increasing day-by-day which is a fearful thing for me.” The small creature could spread in other localities if concerned authorities do not take any action against it, he warned.

Talking to ‘The News’ people of the areas have criticised concerned authorities for not spraying insecticides and pesticides in time in these areas to avoid growth of such disease vectors.