Residents of Ilhota, a city in Itajaí Valley, Santa Catarina, Brazil, are facing a severe infestation of mutant midges known as maruim, which are causing significant distress and health risks. These insects, unlike typical midges, transmit diseases such as Oropouche fever, leading to symptoms like fever, severe headaches, and muscle aches. Locals have been forced to keep their homes sealed to avoid the insects, often resorting to wearing heavy winter clothing despite the intense heat. As one resident, Patricia, expressed, they feel like 'prisoners in our own homes.' The situation has become dire, with many residents, including cancer patient Veronita Pelz, opting to stay in hospitals to escape the midge problem. City officials have acknowledged the issue but lack the necessary products to control the midge population effectively, allowing it to spread to neighboring Luiz Alves municipality. The infestation poses serious health risks, particularly for expectant mothers, with reports of foetal deaths linked to previous outbreaks.