No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeTopicsHealthExperts Warn of Growing Screwworm Threat in Costa Rica

Experts Warn of Growing Screwworm Threat in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has faced an increasing number of cases of Cochliomyia hominivorax, popularly known as the screwworm, a pest that affects both animals and humans and can be deadly.

Information from the Ministry of Health indicates that, as of June 26, eleven human cases have been reported, and two people have died due to complications. Most cases are concentrated in rural areas, where exposure to infected animals and people is higher.

Dr. Adriana Troyo, a specialist in medical entomology at the Faculty of Microbiology of the University of Costa Rica (UCR), explained that one reason for the danger of Cochliomyia hominivorax is its ability to feed on living tissue.

The expert said that the preferred place for adult flies to lay their eggs is in open wounds of animals and humans, where the larvae then begin to feed. Flies can also lay eggs in body cavities such as the mouth and nose, where there are odors or secretions.

In a short time (approximately six to eight days), the infestation can cause serious damage and, in some cases, even death if the infestation is not treated in time.

Dr. Olger Calderón, also a medical entomologist at UCR, stated that this infestation caused by Cochliomyia hominivorax generates a condition known as myiasis. Myiasis is a parasitic disease produced by fly larvae that develop in living vertebrate tissues.

“Cochliomyia hominivorax lesions present as maggots. This type of myiasis is also typified as obligate myiasis, where the larvae are obligate parasites and always depend on a living organism to be able to carry out this larval period,” he noted.

SENASA indicated that, although the screwworm is currently very common in South American countries such as Uruguay, northern Chile, and Argentina, Costa Rica had been declared free of this harmful fly since 2000.

In 23 years, the country had not had any cases of these larvae. However, the panorama has changed, and specialists said humans must learn to live with this fly again.

“This fly will not be eliminated in months; it will take years if we manage to do it again. So, we have to learn to live with it, as well as with the other flies that are capable of producing myiasis,” Dr. Troyo commented.

Trending Now

Costa Rica’s Pride 2025 Closing Event Bans Minors, Sparks Outrage

Costa Rica’s Pride 2025 closing event, set for June 29 at San José’s Plaza de la Democracia, was thrown into controversy when the government...

Costa Rica’s Top Court Bans President Chaves from 2026 Election Campaign

Costa Rica’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal on Thursday barred President Rodrigo Chaves from participating in the 2026 election campaign, ruling that he "illegitimately used" his...

Former Costa Rican Minister Arrested for Drug Trafficking, Faces U.S. Extradition

Costa Rica’s judicial police arrested Celso Gamboa, a former security minister and Supreme Court judge, on Monday, following a U.S. request for his extradition...

Costa Rica to Launch Electric Air Taxis for Sustainable Travel in Guanacaste

Costa Rica is poised to revolutionize its transportation landscape with the introduction of electric air taxis, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional ground travel...

Costa Rica’s Cutris Mining Bill Threatens Massive Environmental Damage

Costa Rica’s government is pushing a controversial bill that could open the entire Cutris district in San Carlos—848 square kilometers—to open-pit gold mining. The...

Costa Rica Maintains Economic Stability Amid Global Tensions

Costa Rica is holding steady economically despite global tensions sparked by conflicts involving Israel, the United States, and Iran, according to Federico Quesada Chaves,...
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica