Costa Rica reports 2nd screwworm death
Costa Rica reports 2nd screwworm death
In a follow-up on the screwworm myiasis situation in Costa Rica (HERE, HERE), the Ministry of Health reports that a new case of Screwworm Myiasis in humans was confirmed by LANASEVE.
It is a male patient from Heredia, Sarapiquí, Puerto Viejo; who was treated in the Puerto Viejo Health Area for an ulcer in the right lower limb, where larvae were detected and the corresponding sample was taken. The patient was transferred to the San Vicente de Paúl Hospital for specialized evaluation, where he remains hospitalized.
In addition, the death of a second patient was reported. This was a person treated in the Valle La Estrella Health Area for an injury in the oral cavity where larvae were detected. This person was transferred to the Dr. Tony Facio Castro Hospital.
According to Dr. Mary Munive Angermüller, second vice president and Minister of Health, the fly that causes this disease likes wounds, for this reason it is very important to be vigilant in case there is a person with an injury.
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“Our recommendation is to be vigilant because if there are exposed wounds or ulcers, these can be attractions for the fly that causes this myiasis,” added the minister.
It is important to inform the population that the behavior of the screwworm is very different from the screwworm. The reproduction capacity of Screwworm Myiasis is high, so it can cause a lot of damage in a short time.
Symptoms of Screwworm Myiasis 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.