Citation

MSMR 2011; 18(7): 19-21.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, U.S. Armed Forces Surveillance Center)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

21815712

Abstract

From 2001 to 2010, there were 63,206 cases of plant dermatitis (most commonly caused by poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac) among active component military members (crude incidence rate: 4.4 per 10,000 person-years). Overall incidence rates generally increased during the period. Compared to their counterparts, incidence rates were higher among males, those in combat-specific occupations, and white, non-Hispanic service members. More cases were diagnosed in Georgia, California, and Virginia than in other states. Plant dermatitis affects military members throughout the year. Concerns should be higher during summer months, especially during periods of moderate drought, which tend to increase the growth of Toxidendron species.

Language: en