The Yucatán Ministry of Health confirmed the first case of screwworm myiasis in a resident of the municipality of Izamal, originally from Tabasco. With this diagnosis, the total number of human infections in Mexico rises to 40, according to the latest epidemiological report.
The patient was treated at the Yucatán Peninsula Regional High Specialty Hospital (HRAEPY) and progressed favorably, being discharged on August 11. He is currently under outpatient surveillance by Health Jurisdiction No. 1.
According to the state government, the detection was achieved thanks to the joint work of the Directorate of Health Prevention and Protection and the Department of Epidemiological Surveillance, in coordination with the National Service of Health, Safety, and Agrifood Quality (SENASICA). Following the confirmation of the case, control and prevention actions were activated in the area to prevent further infections. 40 cases total in the country
According to the epidemiological report for week 32, published on August 18, 39 previous cases of myiasis caused by Cochliomyia hominivorax, a species known as the cattle screwworm, have been confirmed in Mexico. The case reported in Yucatán brings the national figure to 40.
Of the total, 36 are in Chiapas, with reports in municipalities such as Tapachula, Escuintla, Huixtla, Villa Comatitlán, Mapastepec, Motozintla, Tonalá, Ocosingo, Pichucalco, and Chilón. Three other cases were confirmed in Campeche; one of them caused the death of an 86-year-old woman with cancer as a comorbidity.
Currently, only two patients remain hospitalized, seven continue to receive outpatient treatment, and the rest have already been discharged.
Health Recommendations
The Yucatán Ministry of Health reiterated preventive measures to reduce the risk of screwworm infection in humans and animals:
Keep wounds clean and covered with sterile dressings.
Practice proper hygiene with disinfectant solutions.
Immediately seek medical attention if signs of infection appear.
Avoid the accumulation of garbage and organic waste that attract insects.
Regularly check domestic and farm animals for injuries.
Use mosquito nets and repellents as a protective barrier.
What is screwworm?
Screwworm infestation is caused by the larvae of the fly Cochliomyia hominivorax, which feed on living tissue in mammals.
Eggs are usually laid in superficial wounds and hatch within 12 to 24 hours. The larvae remain in the host for 4 to 8 days, causing severe damage if not detected early.
Mexico has maintained its status as a country free of this parasite since 1991, thanks to control and eradication campaigns led by Senasica, according to the official Mexican government website.
Source: msn
