Mother issues warning after venomous caterpillar sends teenager to ER

LAND O'LAKES, Fla. — A mom is warning parents after her teenage son ended up in the ER after he was stung by a venomous caterpillar.

Her Facebook post has been shared nearly half a million times.

Andrea Pergola wrote that her son Logan was picking up tree branches in the yard at their home in Land O'Lakes, Florida, when something brushed up against his arm. He felt a sharp, stinging sensation and within minutes was dizzy, nauseated and in terrible pain.

She rushed him to the hospital where he became more disoriented, the pain intensified and a rash spread up his arm.

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"The pain as radiating from his wrist, up his arm and into his shoulder and chest," Pergola wrote. "The rash also spread put he entire arm and into his chest."

Doctors said the spotted rash represented dozens of stings -- well over 20 injection sites.

Pergola says the caterpillar was from a Southern Flannel Moth. Her son recovered within a few hours, but Pergola is warning people to be aware of the how dangerous the critters are.

"He is a healthy, strong, young man and it knocked him out," she wrote. "I can't even imagine a small child or elderly person. Please research this caterpillar, be aware of it and make your kids aware of it."

According to the Austin-American Statesman, Southern Flannel Moth caterpillars are some of the most venomous caterpillars in North America. They are found from New Jersey to Texas, though mostly in Texas, Florida and Louisiana.

The commonly live in oak, oleander and plum trees. Their venomous spines can cause burning pain, swelling, nausea and itching.

Cox Media Group