¿What is the Screwworm?
Cattle screwworm is the larvae of the fly Cochliomyia hominivorax, which lays its eggs on the skin of mammals including humans; the larvae hatch and develop under the skin, causing a condition known as cutaneous myiasis.
Symptoms include the presence of a painful lump on the skin that may secrete fluid. As the larva grows, it may be visible under the skin and can often be felt moving. Treatment usually involves surgical removal of the larva, followed by local care to prevent infection.
The total cases already amount to more than 2,400, 10 of them in humans and one of them being fatal in Guanacaste.
Background:
Since the year 2000, Costa Rica had been declared free of the disease, until last year when cases were identified again, which is why the Government decreed a state of health emergency in the country on February 7th to prevent, control and eradicate the spread of this disease.
Chronology:
-February 7, 2024: Health emergency declared. The National Animal Health Service (SENASA) reports that they are beginning to disperse 15 million sterile male flies from small planes to contain reproduction.
-April: information and prevention campaigns begin.
-May 2: visits to farms begin throughout the national territory. Agreement with the United States.
-June 18: first human death in Costa Rica.
There is a Protocol coordinated between the Ministry of Health - SENASA - Costa Rican Social Security
According to the authorities, as part of the protocol, once a case of screwworm is suspected, the following procedure is followed:
- Sampling
- The sample is transferred to SENASA for evaluation
- If the result is positive, field coordination is carried out between the Ministry of Health, SENASA and the Costa Rican Social Security.
Prevention and case reporting is crucial.
The main prevention measures include washing hands with soap and water, keeping wounds clean and keeping an eye on animals, paying attention to possible wounds or bumps.
If you suspect any worm bug, you must immediately report it to SENASA by phone or WhatsApp to +506 8966-6780 or by email to epidemiologia@senasa.go.cr
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