Outbreak of dermatitis linearis caused by Paederus ilsae and Paederus iliensis (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) at a military base in Iraq

Abstract

An outbreak of dermatitis linearis caused by Paederus iliensis (Coiffait) and Paederus ilsae (Bernhauer) occurred at Joint Base Balad in north central Iraq during 2007. It was the first reported incident of P iliensis in Iraq. Some Paederus species contain the vesicating chemical, pederin, which causes painful lesions when crushed on the skin. At this location, 20 Soldiers and Airmen sought medical treatment for skin blistering, most commonly affecting the neck and hands. All cases presented during May and June. Sampling for Paederus began in June after beetles were collected in an area where Soldiers had developed dermatitis and continued until October when no further beetles were collected. Paederus beetles were most likely flying in from areas surrounding the base, and were most common near the base's perimeter in close proximity to bright lights. Nighttime sampling showed that Paederus beetles were most active from one hour after sunset until midnight. Most of the military personnel affected were Soldiers who worked night shifts near bright lights. The occurrence of dermatitis linearis can largely be prevented by modifying the light sources that attract Paederus beetles.