Costa Rica: Arbovirus cases near 10,000, Dengue accounts for 99.7%
Additional Screwworm Myiasis cases reported
Arbovirus
The Costa Rica Ministry of Health report through June 8 this year, a total of 9,945 cases of arboviral diseases were reported. Of these, 9,912 (99.7%) were cases of dengue, 16 (0.2%) cases of chikungunya, and 17 (0.2%) were Zika cases.
Of the 9,912 total dengue cases reported nationally, Central North presents the highest number of suspected cases (2,247) and the Brunca region reports highest incidence rate at 398.77/100,000 inhabitants.
All four dengue serotypes are circulating in Costa Rica. The CNRV-INCIENSA reports 578 positive samples by PCR, confirming 263 for serotype 3 and 145 for serotype 4.
Compared to the same date in 2023, Costa Rica has reported triple the number of cases. Last year, there were around 200 cases per week, while now there are more than 800.
“The help from the population is crucial to reduce the number of cases. We need you to eliminate all breeding sites at home,” said Mary Munive, Minister of Health.
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“It is important to regularly clean and empty water storage containers, clean canoes, eliminate black plastic in home patios that accumulate water, put unused tires under a roof or take them to collection sites, and use repellent,” health specialists state.
Screwworm Myiasis
In a follow-up on the Screwworm Myiasis in humans situation, the Ministry of Health confirmed Friday three new confirmed cases of Screwworm Myiasis in humans based on laboratory results issued by the National Laboratory of Veterinary Services (LANASEVE – SENASA). This brings the total to 10 laboratory-confirmed human cases reported to date.
Eighth patient, is from San José, Pérez Zeledón, Cajón, confirmed by Screwworm Myiasis in Humans by LANASEVE. She was treated at the Ebais de Cajón for an injury to her left lower limb (ulcer) where larvae were detected and the corresponding sample was taken. The patient is admitted to the Escalante Pradilla Hospital, in stable condition.
Ninth patient, from Limón, Valle La Estrella, confirmed by Screwworm Myiasis in Humans by LANASEVE. She was treated at the Valle La Estrella Health Area for an injury to the oral cavity where larvae were detected and the corresponding sample was taken. The patient is admitted to the Dr. Tony Facio Castro Hospital, in stable condition. Case in study.
Tenth patient , is from Puntarenas, Esparza, Mojón, confirmed by Screwworm Myiasis in Humans by LANASEVE. She was treated at the Ebais de Mojón. The case remains under investigation.
The Ministry of Health calls on the population to take the following prevention and control recommendations:
Maintain personal hygiene, wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
Control, treatment and hygiene in skin lesions in accordance with the recommendation of the treating doctor.
Attend the health facility when you have symptoms associated with the disease.
Maintain surveillance and control in the care of the animals, carrying out frequent check-ups, as well as healing all wounds and informing the animal health authorities (SENASA) about the appearance of production or domestic animals with worms.
Symptoms in humans may include: localized pain, severe pruritus, discomfort in the affected area, skin erythema, skin nodules, oozing wound, presence of a painful lump on the skin with a sensation that moves, which may be an initial indicator of the infestation. Frequently, visible eggs and/or larvae can be seen in the wound.