Costa Rica reports 1st human screwworm infestation
The Costa Rica Ministry of Health recently reported a confirmed case of screwworm in a person, the first case recorded in the country.
The patient is hospitalized at the Golfito Hospital.
The sample was taken from a man from the Altamira de Pavones area, who visited the Ciudad Neilly hospital due to discomfort after suffering a fall. This sample was sent to the LANASEVE laboratory, where the presence of the screwworm larva was confirmed.
Given this, authorities from the Golfito Governing Area followed up to determine if there are more cases in this regard. In addition, the Ministry of Health and SENASA are working on an action protocol to address these cases and thus begin a sweep in the area.
Among the steps to follow in the protocol, once a case of screwworm is suspected, the sample is taken and transferred to SENASA and if the result is positive, field coordination is carried out between the Ministry of Health. , SENASA and CCSS.
Screwworm is a disease caused by the larva of the fly, which lays its eggs in 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.
If anyone thinks they have such an infestation, they are recommended to visit a medical center to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.