The number of animals infested with New World screwworm (NWS), a flesh-eating parasite, has risen by 53% in the four weeks to mid-August, according to Mexican government data. While primarily affecting cattle, cases have also been registered in dogs, horses, sheep, and even humans. Local media reports indicate that dozens have sought treatment in hospitals across Campeche and Chiapas states.
This uptick comes just days after US health officials confirmed the first human case linked to a traveler returning from El Salvador. NWS was declared eradicated in the US in 1966 and in Mexico in 1991, but it remains prevalent in tropical regions of Central and South America and has seen a resurgence, with new cases reported since November 2024.
The larvae of the New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) lay eggs in open wounds on warm-blooded animals, feeding on living flesh. The process, known as myiasis, can cause severe damage and even death if left untreated. While rare, fatal outcomes in humans can occur, particularly among the elderly and those with pre-existing health issues.
Health officials urge vigilance, especially for those working with livestock or living in rural areas where infested animals are present. Symptoms to watch for include unexplained skin lesions and the presence of maggots in open sores. Preventative measures, such as keeping wounds clean and using insect repellent, are essential in affected regions.
This uptick comes just days after US health officials confirmed the first human case linked to a traveler returning from El Salvador. NWS was declared eradicated in the US in 1966 and in Mexico in 1991, but it remains prevalent in tropical regions of Central and South America and has seen a resurgence, with new cases reported since November 2024.
The larvae of the New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) lay eggs in open wounds on warm-blooded animals, feeding on living flesh. The process, known as myiasis, can cause severe damage and even death if left untreated. While rare, fatal outcomes in humans can occur, particularly among the elderly and those with pre-existing health issues.
Health officials urge vigilance, especially for those working with livestock or living in rural areas where infested animals are present. Symptoms to watch for include unexplained skin lesions and the presence of maggots in open sores. Preventative measures, such as keeping wounds clean and using insect repellent, are essential in affected regions.
