Hyperesthesia Secondary to Centipede Bite- A Case Report
Huldah I. Nwokeukwu *
Department of Community Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, P.M.B. 7001, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.
Ugochukwu Onyeonoro
Department of Community Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, P.M.B. 7001, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.
Chidinma Amuzie
Department of Community Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, P.M.B. 7001, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.
Debra Inya-agha
Department of Community Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, P.M.B. 7001, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.
Igbani Uchendu
Department of Community Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, P.M.B. 7001, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Centipede bite is a major public health problem among rural communities of Nigeria. This can be attributed to thick bushes around residential homes and humid weather peculiar to these regions, which favor the survival of this group of arthropods. However, presentations of cases to hospitals are rare.
Objective: To report a case of hyperesthesia secondary to centipede bite in Nigeria.
Methods: The case note of the patient was retrieved and relevant data were extracted and summarized.
Results: An 80 year old retired civil servant, now a farmer, presented to the outpatient clinic, with a history of severe pains following centipede bite two weeks prior to presentation. Pains were so severe that he could not stand without support. He was later diagnosed with avascular Necrosis of right head of femur and presently on physiotherapy regimen.
Keywords: Hyperesthesia, centipede, bite