The schoolchildren required medical treatment after coming out in rashes following an allergic reaction to the poisonous insect.
A school spokesperson said none of the cases were serious.
Council workers have since removed caterpillar nests from the school grounds.
The pine processionary caterpillar (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) generally appears during late winter/early spring, emerging from nests in pine trees in long, snaking, nose-to-tail lines. They are covered with fine, urticating hairs that are noxious to humans and animals.
Coming into contact with these hairs can cause reactions ranging from mild itchy rashes to severe anaphylactic shock.
Anyone, or any animal that comes into contact with a pine processionary, should seek immediate medical or veterinary assistance.
Eighteen Alvalade schoolchildren treated for pine processionary allergy
in News · 02 Feb 2017, 14:28 · 0 Comments