Mérida, Yucatan — Health officials in Yucatan have confirmed the state’s first case of loxoscelism, commonly known as a violin spider bite, for 2026, part of a broader national increase in such incidents.
The case involved a woman who was bitten during epidemiological week 14, which ran from April 5 to 11, according to the federal Health Department. This marks Yucatan’s first reported bite this year, following four cases in 2025 and eight in 2024.
Nationally, Mexico has recorded 139 loxoscelism cases so far this year, a 24.11 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025, when there were 112 cases. Yucatan’s recent case was among 12 new incidents reported last week.
Chihuahua has the highest incidence with 24 hospitalized patients, accounting for 17.27 percent of national cases. Morelos follows with 11 affected individuals (7.91 percent), and Sonora has 10 positive cases (7.19 percent).
In contrast, Durango, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosí, Tabasco, and Tlaxcala have reported no cases. Campeche has one confirmed case.
Loxoscelism occurs when venom from spiders of the Loxosceles genus, known as violin spiders or brown recluses, enters a person’s body through a bite. The condition can cause skin necrosis and other systemic effects.
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