A Venezuelan outbreak of venomous accidents produced by centipedes (Scolopendra gigantea Linnaeus 1758) (Scolopendromorpha: Scolopendrinae)

We are reporting accidents caused by centipedes from Capaya town, Miranda state, Venezuela, in a circumstance that have could define as epidemic. Five human cases of envenomation by Scolopendra gigantea Linneaus 1758 occurred in 3 months are described (November 98 to February 99). Patients presented an intense local pain, erythema, paresthesias, edema and functional impotence. From 5 to 7 days they had ad integrum restitution. Extremities were the most frequent bite localization. The entire captured specimens in connection with these human accidents were lone mature animals. All these patients referred that their accidents occurred during sleeping time. Treatment included local ice, systemic corticosteroids, and administration of antihistamines and analgesics, as needed conforming to severity of the lesions.