The patient is receiving antibiotic treatment; Chiapas State Health Services is conducting the corresponding epidemiological investigation.
The Ministry of Health has reported the detection of the first human case of screwworm myiasis (Cochliomyia hominivorax), which occurred in a 77-year-old woman residing in the municipality of Acacoyagua, located on the coast of Chiapas.
In a statement, the health department confirmed that the patient is stable, receiving antibiotic treatment, and has been transferred to the Ciudad Salud High Specialty Hospital in Tapachula, where she continues to receive care and remains under medical monitoring.
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It was also reported that, once the case of screwworm myiasis was confirmed, the Chiapas State Services began the corresponding investigation, while the Agriculture and Health authorities are implementing interventions aimed at protecting the population:
The Agriculture and Health authorities are implementing interventions aimed at protecting the population. Training is being provided on epidemiological surveillance and the prevention and control of Cochliomyia hominivorax myiasis with the participation of personnel from the National Service of Health, Safety, and Agri-Food Quality (SENASICA).
To date, no additional cases of myiasis have been identified in the region. However, the Ministry of Health specified that the epidemiological brigade of the Tapachula health jurisdiction is already carrying out health promotion, epidemiological surveillance, and containment actions in the locality where the case resides.
What is myiasis?
Myiasis is a parasitic infestation caused by fly larvae that feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, including humans. In the case of screwworm, it specifically refers to infestation by the larvae of the fly Cochliomyia hominivorax, which can cause significant damage to wounds and tissue.
The main symptoms include a painful, oozing bump on the skin, a sensation of something moving beneath the skin, and, in some cases, sharp, stabbing pain.
Source: OEM
