Handbook of Medical EntomologyRiley, William A. (William Albert)
Science
Handbook of Medical Entomology
Riley, William A. (William Albert)
Insect pests; Insects as carriers of disease; Medical parasitology
On hot summer nights, when the wind is not stirring, the Phlebotomus
flies, or sand-flies, as they are popularly called, invade houses and
sleeping rooms in swarms and attack the inmates. As soon as light begins
to break the flies either escape to the breeding places, or cool, dark
places protected from the wind, or a part of them remain in the rooms,
hiding behind pictures, under garments, and in similar places. Wherever
the Phlebotomus flies occur they are an intolerable nuisance. On account
of their small size they can easily pass through the meshes of ordinary
screens and mosquito curtains. They attack silently and inflict a very
painful, stinging bite, followed by itching. The ankles, dorsum of the
feet, wrists, inner elbow, knee joint and similar places are favorite
places of attack, possibly on account of their more delicate skin.
Special interest has been attracted to these little pests in recent
years, since it has been shown that they transmit the European
"pappatici fever" or "three day fever." More recently yet, it appears
that they are the carriers of the virus of the Peruvian "verruga." This
phase of the subject will be discussed later.
Control measures have not been worked out. As Newstead says, "In
consideration of the facts which have so far been brought to light
regarding the economy of Phlebotomus, it is clearly evident that the
task of suppressing these insects is an almost insurmountable one. Had
we to deal with insects as large and as accessible as mosquitoes, the
adoption of prophylactic measures would be comparatively easy, but owing
to the extremely minute size and almost flea-like habits of the adult
insects, and the enormous area over which the breeding-places may occur,
we are faced with a problem which is most difficult of solution." For
these reasons, Newstead considers that the only really prophylactic
measures which can at present be taken, are those which are considered
as precautionary against the bites of the insects.
Of repellents, he cites as one of the best a salve composed of the
following:
Ol. Anisi 3 grs.
Ol. Eucalypti 3 grs.
Ol. Terebenth 3 grs.
Unq. Acid Borac.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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