By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica is grappling with a significant public health challenge as the Ministry of Health has confirmed a total of 84 human cases of screwworm infestation nationwide. The latest data, published in Epidemiological Bulletin No. 42, reveals a troubling spread of the parasitic ailment, with the province of Alajuela emerging as the epicenter of the outbreak.
The detailed report from the Health Surveillance Directorate provides a clear provincial breakdown of the myiasis cases caused by the larvae of the Cochliomyia hominivorax fly. Alajuela leads the nation with 20 confirmed cases, closely followed by the capital province of San José, which has registered 17 cases. The Caribbean coast has also been notably affected, with Limón reporting 14 instances of the infestation.
The recent screwworm outbreak has not only raised public health and animal welfare concerns but has also created a complex web of legal and financial challenges for Costa Rica’s vital livestock industry. To understand the potential liabilities, insurance implications, and government responsibilities, we consulted with legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Beyond the immediate veterinary crisis, the screwworm emergency triggers significant legal questions. Livestock producers must immediately review their insurance policies for coverage under ‘force majeure’ or specific epidemic clauses, as standard policies may exclude such events. Furthermore, the government’s declaration of a national sanitary emergency grants it broad powers, but any actions, such as mandatory quarantines or animal culling, must adhere to principles of administrative law, including the potential for state liability and fair compensation for affected ranchers. This is a critical time for the agricultural sector to document all losses and seek counsel to navigate potential claims and protect their operations.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight is a crucial reminder that the battle against the screwworm extends far beyond the pastures and into the complex realms of insurance policies and administrative law. This legal preparedness is fundamental to the long-term stability of our agricultural sector during this national emergency. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on these critical, often-overlooked challenges.
Other provinces are also on alert. Heredia has documented 10 cases, while the Pacific regions of Guanacaste and Puntarenas have each recorded 9 cases. The province of Cartago has reported the lowest number among the affected regions, with a total of 5 cases. This geographic distribution underscores the national scope of the health alert, requiring a coordinated response across the country.
A demographic analysis of the 84 cases reveals specific vulnerabilities within the population. The data shows a disproportionate impact on the elderly, with individuals over the age of 75 accounting for 20 cases, the largest number for any single age bracket. Another significant cluster appears in the 65 to 69 age group, with 9 reported cases. This suggests that older adults may be at a higher risk or face greater challenges in preventing or treating initial wounds that can lead to infestation.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Health’s report highlights a significant gender disparity in the confirmed cases. Of the 84 individuals affected, a clear majority—57 cases—are men, while 27 cases have been reported in women. Health officials have not yet offered a specific explanation for this trend, but it may be related to occupational exposures or other behavioral factors that increase the risk of untreated injuries.
In response to the rising case numbers, the Ministry of Health has issued a series of urgent prevention and control guidelines for the public. The primary recommendation is the diligent practice of personal hygiene, particularly the regular washing of hands with soap and water. Officials stressed that any lesion or wound on the skin must be properly cleaned, treated, and monitored according to medical advice to prevent it from becoming a breeding ground for the fly’s larvae.
The Ministry is urging citizens to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms associated with screwworm infestation. Key warning signs include persistent pain, intense itching at a wound site, redness of the surrounding skin, and the presence of any secretion or discharge from the injury. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent severe complications.
Beyond human health, the advisory also emphasizes the critical importance of animal welfare in controlling the spread of the parasite. Authorities are calling on farmers, ranchers, and pet owners to maintain constant vigilance, conduct frequent inspections of their animals for wounds, and ensure any injuries are treated promptly. This integrated “One Health” approach recognizes that controlling the parasite in livestock is essential to protecting the human population.
For further information, visit ministeriodesalud.go.cr
About Ministry of Health:
The Ministry of Health is the principal government institution in Costa Rica responsible for safeguarding public health. It formulates national health policies, regulates healthcare services, and leads epidemiological surveillance and public health campaigns to prevent and control diseases, ensuring the well-being of all citizens.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a pillar of the legal profession, built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a rich history of guiding a wide array of clients, the firm is a leader in pioneering forward-thinking legal strategies and contributing to community betterment. This ethos is exemplified by its profound dedication to demystifying the law, aiming to foster a stronger, more capable society through the power of shared legal knowledge.
