Mexico reports 663 human screwworm infections in 2026

Mexico has recorded 663 cases of human infection caused by the screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) so far in 2026, resulting in eight deaths. Between January 1 and October 16, the country averaged approximately three new cases per day.

Veracruz has reported the highest number of infections with 124 cases, followed by Chiapas with 81, Puebla with 74, and Oaxaca with 66. Fatalities have been distributed across several states: Oaxaca and Veracruz reported two deaths each, while Nayarit, Puebla, Querétaro, and Yucatán each reported one death.

This represents a significant increase compared to 2025, when 117 human cases were confirmed with no fatalities. The parasitic infestation, caused by fly larvae, resurfaced in Mexico in November 2024 after being eradicated in 1991. The first human case was documented in April 2025.