A Cuban migrant from the caravan that departed Tapachula, Chiapas, 10 days ago is facing a serious health crisis after larvae were found in a wound on his foot. Although some Mexican media outlets have suggested the presence of a screw worm, confirmation remains pending, as reported by Diario del Sur.
The newspaper La Jornada has identified the individual as 27-year-old Adrián, who is currently hospitalized in the Chiapas town of Pijijiapan, where the caravan is presently located. Adrián has a foot injury infected with larvae, a condition worsened by his diabetes, the reports specify.
The larvae have been collected and sent for analysis to Mexico City, following a protocol that involves initial examination at laboratories in Tuxtla Gutiérrez and then at the national reference lab, Diario del Sur explains. Results confirming the type of infection are expected in a couple of days.
Adrián recounted to La Jornada that he initially noticed a bump on his calf while passing through the municipality of Mapastepec, but gave it little thought. Within days, the bump turned into an open wound infested with larvae, prompting his companions to assist in disinfecting it. However, upon reaching Pijijiapan, he fainted and was rushed to the local hospital.
According to El País, the screw worm, which primarily affects livestock, can cause myiasis in humans—a condition where the parasite feeds on living tissue. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, foul odor, bleeding, and a sensation of movement within the wounds. In extreme cases, it can lead to bacterial infections, fever, damage to vital organs, and even death. The rising number of infections in recent weeks has raised alarms in Mexico.
Migrant Caravan's Challenges and Goals
The migrant caravan, initially composed of over 1,000 individuals from Cuba, Venezuela, Honduras, Haiti, and other nations, set off from Tapachula on October 1 with the aim of reaching Mexico City to pressure authorities into granting residency or asylum permits. Many migrants have stated their intention to remain legally in Mexico rather than make their way to the United States.
They have accused the offices of the Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance (Comar) and the National Institute of Migration (INM) of corruption, along with delays and arbitrary rejections of their applications.
The migrants' presence has sparked a strong reaction among some Mexicans. This week, a large group protested in Mexico City, demanding the immediate deportation of the Cuban and Central American migrants within the caravan.
Diario del Sur reported on Saturday that, due to arrests and the harsh conditions of their journey, the caravan has dwindled to half its original size. The migrants are currently in Pijijiapan, resting and considering their next steps.
FAQs about the Migrant Caravan and Health Concerns
What is a screw worm and how does it affect humans?
The screw worm is a parasite that feeds on living tissue, primarily affecting livestock but also capable of causing myiasis in humans. Symptoms include intense pain, swelling, a foul odor, bleeding, and a sensation of movement in the wound. Severe cases can lead to bacterial infections, fever, and even death.
What are the goals of the migrant caravan?
The migrant caravan aims to reach Mexico City to pressure authorities into granting residency or asylum permits. Many participants intend to stay in Mexico legally rather than continue to the United States.
Why has the migrant caravan reduced in size?
The caravan has decreased in size due to arrests and the challenging conditions faced during their journey. These difficulties have led many participants to abandon the caravan.