Carambola fly: risks to human health are minimal, experts say

The proliferation of the carambola fly does not pose imminent risks to human health. This is the assessment of experts consulted by CNN .

According to the infectious disease doctor and researcher at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), who works in Manaus, Flor Martinez Espinosa, what characterizes diseases transmitted to humans by insects, such as malaria or dengue, for example, is that the organism that causes the illnesses develops part of its life cycle in the mosquito, unlike a pest, such as the carambola fly.

“To date, there is no evidence that she could be a carrier of any microorganism capable of causing disease in humans,” explained the doctor.

However, the insect, like any other, can contaminate food by landing on trash or fecal matter and then landing on food that will be eaten by humans. “This is an event that, although possible, does not represent a risk of epidemics”, concludes the expert.

Researcher Silvia Miranda, professor at the Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture at USP (Esalq/USP), agrees that there is no direct risk of proliferation to human health. The specialist points out that the need for chemical control using agricultural defenders to contain the infestation is what can create problems. “The improper use of chemical control could lead to contamination,” said the professor.

What is the carambola fly

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) declared a phytosanitary emergency in four Brazilian states due to the uncontrolled presence of the carambola fly: Amapá, Amazonas, Pará and Roraima.

Native to Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, the species was first found in Brazil in 1996, in Amapá. The carambola fly poses a major threat to the country’s agriculture.

The 7mm insect can devastate fruit plantations and cause Brazil to lose R$400 million per year in exports, according to an estimate by Embrapa (Brazilian Agricultural Company).