Human Screwworm Cases Trigger Health Alerts in Quintana Roo

Quintana Roo, Mexico — The registration of six cases of myiasis caused by cattle screwworm in humans in Quintana Roo has triggered health alerts in the state, revealing that this parasitic disease not only affects the livestock sector but also people in conditions of social vulnerability and with chronic ailments, according to data from the National Epidemiological Surveillance System (Sinave).

During the current month, two new infections were confirmed, one in Chetumal and another in the municipality of Benito Juárez, bringing the state’s total to six cases since the end of 2025.

Quintana Roo Ranks Third Nationally in Incidence

With this figure, Quintana Roo ranks as the third highest in the country for human myiasis cases, only behind Chiapas and Yucatán, within the epidemiological corridor of southeastern Mexico.

Health authorities acknowledge that, although not all figures have been officially confirmed, the risk remains latent, particularly in areas with marginalization conditions.

Profile of Confirmed Screwworm Cases

Recent Cases in Chetumal and Benito Juárez

One of the new infections corresponds to a 52-year-old man with a history of alcoholism, who was hospitalized in Chetumal after presenting a severe infestation by larvae in a lower limb.

The second case is a 21-year-old man, originally from Benito Juárez and residing in Lázaro Cárdenas, who is currently receiving medical attention for injuries to the head and neck.

Elderly Adults, the Most Affected Group

Epidemiological reports indicate that the other four cases are concentrated in elderly adults:

• Two patients aged 70 and 82 in Benito Juárez, both with chronic diseases.
• One case in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, with affection in the left ear.
• A 58-year-old man in José María Morelos, with a history of alcoholism, who remains under outpatient treatment.

Officials Warn of Risk to Vulnerable Population

The head of the Secretariat of Agricultural, Rural and Fisheries Development (Sedarpe), Jorge Aguilar, warned that the screwworm is not exclusive to livestock and can affect people with poor hygiene conditions.

“It is a warm-blooded living being and the risk exists, especially in people in street situations or with little hygiene,” the official stated.

Over 400 Cases in Livestock, No Deaths Reported

In the livestock sector, Quintana Roo has accumulated over 400 cases of screwworm in cattle, with no deaths reported to date. Authorities attribute this result to the timely application of sanitary measures and permanent coordination with producers to contain the pest.

Specialists Alert About Serious Complications

Public health specialists warned that human myiasis can worsen due to abandonment of medical treatments, lack of timely attention, and social exclusion. Lesions typically appear on the head, oral and nasal cavities, ears, and limbs, exposed areas that facilitate infestation and can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly.