Re-emergence of the screwworm larva Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel) in Mexico and its impact as a zoonosis on public health

Abstract

Myiasis caused by Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel) the "man-eater" is a re-emerging zoonotic parasitic disease affecting the living tissues of animals and humans. Following its eradication in Mexico (1991), SENASICA confirmed its reintroduction on December 24, 2024, in Catazajá, Chiapas. As of August 18, 2026, they exist 42,871 cumulative cases and 1,880 active cases across 30 states, affecting various animal species, as well as 681 human cases across 27 states in the country. In livestock, it causes losses due to reduced production, toxemia, and secondary infections. Understanding its characteristics, epidemiology, risk factors, and impact as a zoonotic risk provides us with a clearer overview of the issues. Therefore, we conducted an analysis to facilitate a better understanding from the perspectives of both human and veterinary medicine, as managing the condition without knowledge of its counterparts in the other field would fail to yield the expected results regarding medical care and prevention. Control requires early diagnosis; delayed action will allow the fly to complete its life cycle, thereby perpetuating the species.