Mexico is grappling with an alarming resurgence of flesh-eating screwworm flies, with over 500 human cases reported since 2024. This voracious parasite lay hundreds of eggs in wounds and mucous membranes, causing ghastly, life-threatening injuries. Six deaths have been linked to the infestation, underscoring its deadly potential.
The New World screwworm fly was once eradicated from Mexico after a decades-long battle involving sterilized male releases. But in 2022, a breach allowed the flies back into the region, with over 36,000 animal cases since then, and nearly 2,000 still active as of August 5th this year.
Human cases are a fraction of the overall infestations but can be severe. Maggots cause painful, rapidly enlarging wounds that can destroy muscle, cartilage, bone—even the skull—if not treated promptly. The risk of irreparable damage and sepsis is high, making quick intervention crucial.
Researchers analysing data from 200 confirmed cases between April 2025 to March 2026 found an increasing pace in infestations. In 2025, the cases were reported at a rate of about three per week; by 2026, it was just over nine per week.
