Flesh-eating screwworms feast on humans in Mexico; human cases top 500
Human cases of flesh-eating screwworm infestations have surged in Mexico, with over 500 cases reported between 2025 and 2026. The parasitic larvae, which were previously eradicated, are causing severe wounds and have resulted in at least six deaths.
Why it matters
The resurgence of a previously eradicated parasite poses a significant public health threat to both human populations and the livestock industry in North America.
Flesh feasting Flesh-eating screwworms feast on humans in Mexico; human cases top 500 Six deaths reported among screwworm cases, one directly attributed to the flies.
7 The tip of a screwworm fly larvae. Credit: CSIRO The tip of a screwworm fly larvae. Credit: CSIRO Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav Since the flesh-eating screwworm fly reinvaded Mexico in 2024, human cases of the voracious parasite have been mounting. According to a July surveillance report from Mexico’s Ministry of Health , there have been over 500 human cases in 2025 and 2026. A study this week in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases analyzed the information on over 200 confirmed cases reported between April 2025 and March 2026 and found that the infestation pace is increasing.
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