Mexico logs 295 human screwworm cases in 2026, sterile‑fly plant delayed

The Mexican Secretariat of Health confirmed 295 human cases of screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) during the first 22 epidemiological weeks of 2026, surpassing the total reported in 2025. Veracruz leads with 69 cases, followed by Chiapas (49) and Oaxaca (32). Eight states reported new cases in the latest week, and two deaths have been recorded, one in Yucatán and one in Oaxaca.

The government’s sterile‑fly facility in Chiapas, intended to control the parasite, is 75% complete and slated to begin operations in June, but remains unfinished, delaying its expected impact on livestock and public health.