Novel RNA viruses producing simultaneous covert infections in Ceratitis capitata. Correlations between viral titers and host fitness, and implications for SIT programs

•Three novel RNA viruses have been found covertly infecting medflies.•Sterile insect technique (SIT) has been implemented in integrated programs for medfly control.•Two of these viruses infects field as well as insects used for the mass-production of males for SIT programs.•Higher viral titers of CcaNV have been found in SIT males with shorter lifespan.