BRUNSWICK, Maine (NEWS CENTER) — Hundreds of people in the Midcoast are suffering from red, itchy rashes courtesy of the browntail moth caterpillar.
A state entomologist says it's the worst infestation she's seen. Not only are the caterpillars eating their way through trees, but their hairs are causing many people to break out with rashes.
One woman in Brunswick has been trying to relieve her symptoms for two months.
"When I went to my doctor, they said they are inundated with patients but don't know how to treat it," she said. "How helpless those people also in my shoes must also be feeling."
Kennebec Pharmacy in Brunswick does make a spray that it says is effective against the browntail moth caterpillar rash.
They've already filled 500 prescriptions at over $40 a bottle.