Increase in screwworm myiasis in humans is a cause for concern.

There are 41 cases of people affected by the screwworm nationwide, 36 of which are in the state of Chiapas. , where there are no health campaigns to inform the population about how to prevent myiasis.

According to the epidemiological bulletin issued by the federal Ministry of Health, as of August 22, Chiapas is not the only state with this problem, as Campeche has recorded three cases, while Yucatán and Tabasco each have one.

Health sector statistics indicate that of the 36 cases in Chiapas, Tapachula has the highest number of infected people, with seven who were treated at the city's regional hospital.

READ: Screwworm infections in humans spread to these states

The municipalities of Motozintla, Ocosingo, and Chilón follow with three cases each, while Mazatán, Escuintla, Villa de Comaltitlán, Tuzantán, and Tonalá each report two infections.

Finally, Huixtla, Acacoyahua, Mapastepec, Pichucalco, Yajalón, Suchiate, Chamula, Sitalá, Las Rosas and Huehuetán have one infested patient in each municipality.

The affected patients are 23 men and 13 women with conditions such as diabetes mellitus, obesity and systematic high blood pressure, HIV, malignant melanoma, chronic neurological deficit, severe malnutrition, nasal septum injury, tongue cancer, venous insufficiency, skin ulcers, prostration, craniotomy surgery, and Parkinson's disease.

In all of these people, the screwworm fly laid its eggs in open wounds.

Without information campaigns

Health sector spokespersons from Tapachula, the state of Chiapas, and the federal government were contacted to find out if there are any preventive campaigns or what measures are being taken to alert the public about myiasis caused by the fly Cochliomyia hominivorax in humans. The IMSS-Bienestar response was:

"We are overwhelmed with documenting the delivery of medications."

In the case of the municipality of Tapachula, the argument was that "due to a binational agreement," the issue could not be discussed . Ultimately, the state health sector responded that they did not have that information.

There was also no response to the request to share human myiasis prevention campaigns.

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Meanwhile, people on the street are completely unaware of the issue.

Doña Susana de Jesús Escobar Blanco, a 49-year-old housewife, said she knew the screwworm affected cows, but she didn't know it could affect humans.

"I have no idea, I know nothing about how the worm gets into the human body or what should be done to prevent it; I come to the hospital and see signs warning about dengue, cancer, or other diseases, but nothing about that myiasis," he said.

He suggested that the health sector should pay more attention to providing information to the population. "I don't know what the symptoms are or anything. More warnings are needed so that we're all informed so we don't get infected."

Catarino Pérez Morales, a 60-year-old farmer by trade, also said he doesn't know how the screwworm can affect people.

"I've heard that it affects cattle when they have a wound, But I don't know how it can affect humans, I don't know how one becomes infected or how to prevent it," he said.

Saúl, Victoria, and Noemí also called on the health sector to inform the public about everything related to the issue, since hiding information or remaining silent affects the population at risk.

Medical recommendation

Darío Bolaño, an internist at the Tapachula Regional Hospital, recommended that those who have contact with warm-blooded animals or people with exposed injuries should take extreme hygiene precautions to avoid screwworm infestation.

He recalled that the screwworm is a parasite that is transmitted by a fly. This fly lands on animals or humans and lays its eggs in open wounds, as its larvae feed on living flesh.

"The people who are at risk are those who work in livestock, as they are in close contact with farm animals, and this is where the screwworm can develop," he said.

He added that, as a preventative measure, the basics are hygiene, daily bathing, and wound care.

"Diabetics with exposed wounds are the ones who should be most careful; they take longer to heal due to their condition; they should have their wounds covered and kept clean," he asserted.

In turn, the veterinary zootechnician Guillermo Petriz asserted that the screwworm It is not only affecting cattle, but also pigs, horses, sheep, cats, dogs, and poultry such as turkeys and chickens.

"The fly likes to lay eggs in open wounds. Within 12 to 24 hours, the eggs turn into larvae and begin to eat like monsters. Within two or three days, they'll eat an ear," he explains.

Likewise, he recommended that the general population practice extreme personal hygiene and thoroughly wash any wound, no matter how small, and avoid exposing it to avoid the serious risk of infection.

The recommendations

These are the main recommendations from doctors to avoid myiasis in people:

* Take extreme care of personal hygiene, especially for people who have contact with warm-blooded animals. Daily bathing is recommended.* People with wounds, especially those with diabetes or hypertension, should take care to keep them clean, even small ones, and covered.

* It is suggested that similar measures be applied to domestic animals, which can also be infested.