Football festival ends on an itchy note: oak processionary moth causes allergies!

Football festival ends on an itchy note: oak processionary moth causes allergies!

Last Saturday a football festival took place in Aalen's Centus Arena, where the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns had to compete in an exciting match against the Pforzheim Wilddogs. Despite the large audience of over 4,200 people, who also enjoyed a halftime show with Tim Bendzko, the event seemed to have some unpleasant aftereffects.

After the game, there were reports of allergic reactions among spectators, volunteers and even players. The suspicion of an infestation of oak processionary moth caterpillars in the adjacent forest raised alarm. These caterpillars are known for their stinging hairs, which can cause allergic reactions even without direct contact.

Symptoms and precautions

Symptoms that occurred after the event included an extremely itchy rash and inflammation of the conjunctiva and mucous membranes. In some cases, those affected have reported fever and shortness of breath, although no serious reactions such as allergic shock have been reported to date. There is still no clear information about the exact number of those affected, but the situation is serious enough that the desire for the football festival quickly turned into concern for health.

Oak processionary moths, native to oak forests in southern and central Europe, have also spread further north due to climate change. From the end of April to the beginning of May, the caterpillars develop their dangerous stinging hairs, which contain the poison thaumetopoein. This can cause dermatitis and severe allergic reactions such as itching and skin inflammation. The health portal ZDF today recommends taking a shower immediately in the event of contact, changing contaminated clothing and keeping a safe distance from infected trees.

Reactions and measures of the city administration

Nina Wengertsmann, chairwoman of the Unicorns, expressed her regret at the unpleasant memories the event left behind and wished everyone affected a speedy recovery. The Aalen city administration has announced that it will investigate the incident internally. It will inform you about what measures need to be taken, such as possibly closing the affected area.

It is important to avoid contact with the caterpillars and their webs. Stinging hairs remain effective for years and should only be removed by professionals. The use of poisons in residential areas has not yet been sufficiently tested. However, early detection and forecasting by the German Weather Service offers an opportunity to prepare for the occurrence of these caterpillars, which pose a health risk.