Camp Zama’s Directorate of Public Works employee checks for brown spider egg sacs during a recent inspection at a playground on Camp Zama.
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CAMP ZAMA, Japan – Brown widows were identified from a mail drop box on Sagamihara Family Housing Area in July 2020.
Camp Zama’s Directorate of Public Works and Public Health Command – Pacific collaboratively initiated surveillance all Child Development Centers and Schools, and community playgrounds were surveyed and treated as necessary throughout SFHA and Camp Zama. They continue to protect the environment for children and community.
Capt. John Eads, chief, entomology, assigned to Public Health Command – Pacific, explained about the brown widow being a venomous spider, which injects the venom is into the body such as through a bite or stinger. However, compared to the black widow, the brown spiders are considered less dangerous. Typically, their bites present with mild symptoms such as swelling, rash, local pain, pain radiating proximally in the extremity, muscle rigidity and nausea in some cases.
The DPW employees were trained on what to look for and how to implement changes to reduce the chances of further infestations of the brown widow. It would also be a big help if community members can routinely check all playground equipment, children’s outdoor toys, and outdoor furniture.
It is important not to cause panic and community participation is imperative to best control the brown widow population, continued Eads.
If egg sacs are found, ensure they are eliminated through crushing or chemical means such as pesticide, and if a large population is discovered in places such as community playground areas, inform DPW customer service at 263-4613 or 263-4274. Call PHC-P Entomology service line at 263-8489, or 263-8595 for Japanese Entomologist for questions or concerns regarding brown spiders.
