Panama Oeste reports 36 cases of cutaneous myiasis

The Regional Epidemiology Directorate of the Ministry of Health has confirmed 36 cases of cutaneous myiasis in the Panama Oeste province. The condition is caused by the larvae of cattle screwworm flies.

According to regional epidemiology director Lorena Merlo, all reported cases involve adults over the age of 65, some of whom required hospitalization. The infections are concentrated in the districts of Arraiján—specifically in Burunga, Juan Demóstenes de Arosemena, and Arraiján cabecera—and La Chorrera, including Playa Leona, Los Díaz, Guadalupe, and Puerto Caimito.

Health officials noted that patients typically reside in areas near cattle pens or in homes with dirt floors. The larvae penetrate skin and muscle tissue to feed, causing pain, fever, secondary infections, and tissue drainage. Medical professionals advise individuals with open wounds to keep them covered and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms occur to ensure the complete extraction of the parasites.