In the heart of Central America, particularly along the Pacific coast, a mysterious epidemic of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has ravaged communities for decades. This condition, often referred to as Mesoamerican Nephropathy or Chronic Kidney Disease of non-traditional causes (CKDnT), has claimed thousands of lives, predominantly among young men working in agriculture, including sugarcane fields.
The Human Impact
The town of Chichigalpa in Nicaragua has become known as “La Isla de las Viudas” or “The Island of the Widows,” due to the high number of men succumbing to this disease. Jesus Ignacio Flores, a former laborer, exemplifies the tragic fate of many. At 51, he lost his life to kidney failure, leaving behind a grieving family. His story is not unique; thousands have suffered similar fates in Nicaragua and El Salvador since 2000.
Theories on the Cause
Scientists have proposed several theories to explain this epidemic. Initially, many suspected agricultural chemicals, such as pesticides and herbicides, as potential culprits. However, despite these chemicals being banned in many developed countries and used extensively in Central America without proper protection, evidence supporting their role remains weak.
A more widely accepted hypothesis points to the grueling conditions faced by manual laborers. These workers, often starting as young as 10, endure extreme heat and dehydration for years, which is believed to trigger CKD. The lack of adequate hydration and rest in scorching temperatures is thought to be a key factor, with some researchers suggesting that repeated dehydration could be a primary cause.
Recent Developments
Recent studies have reinforced the link between heat stress and CKD. Interventions aimed at reducing occupational heat stress, such as providing rest, shade, and hydration, have shown promise in preventing CKD among sugarcane workers[2][3]. While the exact cause remains debated, the consensus leans towards environmental factors like heat stress rather than chemical exposure.
International Response
The epidemic has strained local health systems, prompting appeals for international assistance. El Salvador’s health minister has called for global support to address this crisis. Despite these efforts, many affected individuals, like Wilfredo Ordonez, continue to rely on dialysis, highlighting the need for more effective solutions.
Conclusion
The CKD epidemic in Central America remains a pressing issue, with its roots deeply intertwined with the harsh working conditions faced by agricultural laborers. As research continues to uncover the complexities of this disease, it is clear that addressing environmental factors like heat stress will be crucial in mitigating its impact. The international community must work together to support these efforts and ensure that workers receive the protections they need to prevent further tragedies.
Read More
[1] https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/newsevents/expert-opinion/why-are-thousands-sugarcane-workers-northwestern-nicaragua-dying-chronic
[2] https://ghhin.org/resources/occupational-heat-stress-intervention-to-prevent-chronic-kidney-disease-of-undetermined-causes-ckdnt-among-sugarcane-workers-in-nicaragua/
[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11636433/
[4] https://oem.bmj.com/content/early/2025/02/19/oemed-2024-109604
[5] https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.19.25322486v1.full
[6] https://climahealth.info/resource-library/occupational-heat-stress-intervention-to-prevent-chronic-kidney-disease-of-undetermined-causes-ckdnt-among-sugarcane-workers-in-nicaragua/
[7] https://www.maxwell.syr.edu/events/2025/02/12/default-calendar/planetary-health-as-atmospheric-cultivation-lessons-from-nicaragua-s-sugarcane-zone
[8] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/joim.20037
2 comments
Reblogged this on The Nahmias Cipher Report.
Multinational corporations and/or their subsidiaries in Central America has a long and horrendous history of using fungicides, pesticides and all sorts chemicals on their plantations, a tradition that began long ago with the United Fruit Company on their banana fields. (You know, United Fruit Company? The company that in the 1950s complained to the Washington D.C. elite about the elected socialist democratic president in Guatemala? Remember reading about that Guatemalan president who said he would nationalize the corporate controlled banana plantations, help the poor and the landless peasantry? Remember reading about the father of PR, Edward Bernays, propaganda campaign that led the people in the US to believe that Guatemalan “Communism” was dangerously close to US borders? Remember about the CIA invasion into Guatemala? Yes, that United Fruit Company).