Health authorities in Guanajuato, Mexico, have confirmed two human cases of myiasis caused by the screwworm parasite [1].
The confirmation triggers a public health alert regarding wound care, as the parasite can penetrate the skin through superficial injuries. Because the screwworm, or *Dermatobia hominis*, targets open flesh, the state's health department is now advising citizens on how to prevent infections.
According to the Secretaría de Salud del Gobierno de Guanajuato, any superficial wound can serve as an entry point [1]. The health department said these recommendations were issued to prevent further infections as the parasite spreads.
Despite these cases, the state remains one of the regions with the lowest incidence of screwworm-induced myiasis in Mexico [2]. Guanajuato currently ranks 13th nationally in the number of cases [2].
National data indicates there are 254 total notified cases of screwworm myiasis across Mexico [2]. The two cases in Guanajuato represent 0.8% of that national total [2].
Health officials said the two patients in Guanajuato have completed their epidemiological surveillance period [1]. Both individuals are continuing medical treatment for other chronic diseases [1].
"Guanajuato se ubica entre las entidades con menor incidencia de miasis por gusano barrenador en el país, con únicamente dos casos en humanos," the Secretaría de Salud de Guanajuato said [2].
“"Cualquier herida superficial puede ser punto de entrada."”
The emergence of human screwworm cases in Guanajuato, while numerically low compared to the rest of Mexico, highlights the risk of zoonotic transmission. Because the parasite utilizes open wounds to enter the body, the situation underscores the importance of basic wound hygiene and veterinary surveillance to prevent the parasite from establishing a wider foothold in the regional human population.
