Success StoryDelusory Parasitosis Working Group



Delusory Parasitosis Working Group

Author: Jonathan Larson

Planning Unit: Entomology

Major Program: Integrated Pest Management

Outcome: Initial Outcome

In 2023 I was invited to join a group funded by the Southern IPM Center that focuses on helping Extension agents across the southeastern United States deal with delusory parasitosis, also known as invisible itches or delusions of infestation. Headed by Karen Vail, University of Tennessee, I was selected to be the team lead for a fact sheet that will teach agents and those who suffer with this condition how to deal with the situation. It’s hard to establish an economic impact of this project, but the hope is that this team will be able to improve Extension’s response to one of our most difficult entomological issues. Clients that suffer from delusory parasitosis are in anguish and they often become repeat visitors to county offices where they bring biohazardous samples to agents for “testing”. The team is making factsheets, educational PowerPoints, and checklists explaining alternative diagnoses to try and help clients and ease the burden delusory cases can cause Extension professionals.






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