It took about two months for the wound to heal.
Libman said the Canadian case is a reminder to travellers to be cautious and “not to expose their skin to the flies.”
What can be done to control the outbreak?
The New World screwworm was eradicated from the U.S. in the 1950s through a program involving the release of sterile male flies to mate with wild females, which then didn’t produce offspring.
But they’ve been making a comeback in Florida, where there have been small infestations in deer and dogs since 2016.
In Central America, the outbreak has mainly affected livestock, with Costa Rica declaring a state of emergency in 2024 after it was detected in cattle.
Experts say the best way to control the outbreak is through the same sterilization method that was used in the U.S.
It’s also important to educate people in affected areas and travellers about the risks and how to avoid exposure, said Libman.
While the cases in the U.S. and Canada were rare, he said it’s still a good idea to take precautions.
“Just because a disease is rare doesn’t mean it’s not worth worrying about,” he said.
So for now, if you’re travelling to Central America or Mexico, keep an eye on any open wounds and take steps to protect yourself from the New World screwworm.
Doctors in Toronto recently made a shocking discovery when they sent larvae pulled from a wound for testing, only to confirm a screwworm infestation. This incident, reported in Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease, has raised concerns about the risk of such infestations for travelers visiting countries with outbreaks, spanning from Panama to Mexico.
Dr. Bogoch emphasized that while the risk to travelers is extremely low, it is not zero. He advised individuals returning from affected areas to seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms. Additionally, healthcare providers need to be vigilant about recognizing and treating travel-associated illnesses.
Despite the presence of screwworm infestations in Central America, experts like Dr. Libman assure that it should not deter travelers from visiting popular holiday destinations in the region. Simple precautions, similar to those taken to protect against mosquitoes and other insects in tropical climates, can help prevent encounters with New World screwworm flies.
While human cases of screwworm infestations are uncommon, the primary concern lies with livestock, particularly cattle. These infections can have devastating effects on animals, leading to significant losses for farmers. Some countries have even imposed restrictions on imports from affected areas to contain the spread of screwworms.
Interestingly, efforts to control screwworm populations in the past have been successful. Male flies sterilized through irradiation were released in the southern U.S., Mexico, and Central America, leading to a significant reduction in populations without the use of pesticides. However, a recent resurgence of screwworms in Central America has raised concerns about managing the spread in larger areas.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is closely monitoring the outbreak in Mexico and Central America, emphasizing that the New World screwworm is not present in Canada and would not survive the country’s winter temperatures. As the situation continues to evolve, it is essential for both travelers and healthcare providers to stay informed and take necessary precautions to prevent screwworm infestations. It’s a common belief that traveling is only for the wealthy or those who have a lot of disposable income. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, with a little bit of planning and creativity, anyone can afford to travel and explore the world.
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When it comes to transportation, be flexible with your travel dates and destinations. By being open to different options, you may be able to snag a cheaper flight or find a more affordable mode of transportation. Consider taking buses or trains instead of flying, or look into budget airlines for discounted fares.
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