Jamaican scientist issues warning after centipede bites woman's vagina

The warning was initially shared in a social media post by Whyte, who is known online as "Roosters World." He explained that recent weather conditions have increased the risk of such encounters.

“Please be careful when entering dark, moist areas. Hurricane Melissa has displaced a lot of wildlife across Jamaica, including large centipedes,” Whyte stated. “A giant centipede hid in a follower’s underwear after she used the restroom and bit her in a very sensitive area.”

He emphasized that these bites can be "extremely painful" and may trigger allergic reactions requiring medical attention. He advised the public to "Stay alert. Shake out clothes. Protect yourselves."

In a follow-up interview with Old Harbour News, Whyte provided further context. He noted that the victim's dwelling, which sustained damage during the hurricane, likely contributed to the incident. He warned that individuals, especially those with property damage, could see a noticeable increase in insects such as scorpions, centipedes, and millipedes.

“What she told me is that she went to the bathroom to urinate and after doing her thing and walking back to her bed she felt something bite her in her panty,” he disclosed. 

According to online scientific literature cited by Whyte, while all centipedes, colloquially in Jamaica called ‘forty-leg’, are venomous, their toxin is typically not lethal to humans. The most common symptoms are mild pain and swelling.

“In this particular case, the lady said she drank some bissy tea, (a traditional remedy used to treat food poisoning) and took painkillers because the area was swollen to the point where she has to walk with a wide gait,” Whyte recounted.

Following the bite, the victim managed to capture the centipede and contained it in a bottle, providing a photo to Whyte for identification.